Tropical Storm Warning and State of Emergency Declared in Florida
August 2, 2024
12:33 PM
A tropical storm warning has been hoisted and a state of emergency declared in parts of Florida as a tropical storm is expected to form in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The storm, which is currently a tropical wave, is expected to reach sustained winds of 39 miles per hour or more within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The tropical wave is located about 200 miles south-southeast of Jamaica and is moving west-northwest at 15 miles per hour. The system is expected to strengthen as it moves over the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West and for the southwest coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to Englewood.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 24 counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The state of emergency authorizes the governor to mobilize resources and take other actions to prepare for the storm.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to monitor the storm's progress and prepare for possible evacuation orders. They should also secure their homes, stock up on food and water, and have a plan in place in case of power outages.
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