As Tropical Storm Milton quickly intensifies off Florida's west coast, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency for 35 counties across the state. According to a report by NBC Miami, the preemptive measure, codified as Executive Order 24-214, was enacted yesterday and encompasses a swathe of Florida, including the heavily populated areas of Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties.
With forecasters predicting that Milton could become a major hurricane, Governor DeSantis has declared an emergency to strengthen resources and respond proactively to potential threats like life-threatening storm surges and strong winds. These impacts are expected to begin affecting the western Florida Peninsula by Tuesday and Wednesday. All of South Florida, including the Treasure Coast, is under a flood watch until Thursday at 8 a.m., with expected rainfall of 6 to 10 inches this week. Some counties are still recovering from the recent Category 4 Hurricane Helene, which struck the Big Bend region just over a week ago, according to WPTV.
Under Governor DeSantis' executive order, counties expecting direct impacts from Milton include Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Hendry, Lee, Osceola, and Volusia, among others. This order aims to coordinate state and local resources effectively to address the potential scale of the impending natural disaster.
Florida's response to the threat of Milton comes as the state's infrastructure and emergency services are closely monitored. With the executive order in place, officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders and prepare for potential severe weather.
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