NEWS: State of Emergency Declared for 41 Counties as Severe Storm Heads Toward Florida

The National Hurricane Center is keeping a close watch on a disturbance currently located in the Caribbean Sea.

Magic Kingdom during Hurricane Debby

This storm is expected to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next day and continue developing and strengthening into Tuesday night. Due to this, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a State of Emergency for several counties in Florida.

STORM UPDATES

Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is forecast to strengthen to near hurricane strength by Tuesday night when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico, and there’s a chance it could be a major hurricane by the time it reaches the coast of the Florida panhandle and western coast of Florida. It is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and heavy rain to the areas affected.

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Because of this concern, Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency in 41 Florida counties. At this time, the counties that affect Disney World are not included. The declaration comes due to the strengthening conditions of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine as well as the lasting impacts of Hurricane Debby in these areas, such as the high water tables and riverine levels. The executive order explains that the expected “incoming heavy rainfall will likely cause significant riverine flooding for an extended period.”

Fantasyland after Hurricane Idalia in 2023

The declaration also includes other potential impacts of the storm, including widespread power outages due to fallen trees and power lines and damaged operational capability of major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids, and other critical infrastructure.

EPCOT after Hurricane Idalia in 2023

As the storm continues to develop over the next couple of days, it’s likely that parts of Florida will receive heavy rains in the coming days. Models are constantly shifting as the storm continues to be monitored, but we’ll be keeping a close eye out for more developments. In the meantime, it’s important to be prepared, plan ahead, and keep an eye on the forecast if you’ll be in Florida over the next couple of days.

Clouds and rain over the Magic Kingdom

While the Disney World counties are not affected by this current State of Emergency, it is still possible for the Orlando area to feel the effects of the potential storm. But do know that Disney World is well prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes in the cases that they do hit the parks.

As we continue to monitor Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, keep following AllEars.