Florida Governor issues State of Emergency for 35 counties ahead of Storm Milton

Florida Governor Declares State of Emergency in 35 Counties Amid Approaching Storm Milton

Sputnik International

A state of emergency has been declared in 35 counties of Florida as Tropical Storm Milton approaches the west coast, Governor Ron DeSantis announced. The storm is expected to strengthen rapidly, posing a risk of life-threatening impacts on the region. Residents are advised to prepare for heavy rains and potential flooding.

“As Tropical Storm Milton continues to strengthen in the Gulf, I have issued EO [Executive Order] 24-214 ahead of potential landfall on Florida’s west coast this week. This EO declares a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties,” DeSantis wrote.

Hurricane Helene Weakens to Tropical Storm After Making Landfall in Florida – US Center

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Tropical Storm Milton could intensify into a hurricane and hit Florida. A tropical storm is designated when winds reach 62 km/h, while hurricanes have wind speeds exceeding 119 km/h.