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WUSF is part of the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, which provides up-to-the minute weather and news reports during severe weather events on radio, online and on social media for 13 Florida Public Media stations. It’s available on WUSF 89.7 FM, online at WUSFNews.org and through the free Florida Storms app, which provides geotargeted live forecasts, information about evacuation routes and shelters, and live local radio streams.

DeSantis issues a state of emergency ahead of an approaching tropical system

Close-up of forecast track for Tropical Depression Nine
Florida Public Radio Emergency Network
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Friday for 24 counties — including much of the greater Tampa Bay region — as Tropical Depression Nine is poised to approach the state as a potential major hurricane next week.

DeSantis issued the order for 24 counties — including much of the greater Tampa Bay region — as Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to become a major hurricane next week.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Friday for 24 counties — including much of the greater Tampa Bay region — as Tropical Depression Nine is poised to approach the state as a potential major hurricane next week.

DeSantis also requested a federal pre-landfall emergency declaration ahead of the storm, according to a news release.

“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a State of Emergency due to the threat of Tropical Depression Nine,” DeSantis said in the release. “This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations.

"We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”

The emergency declaration would allow for funds to be made available, as well as the Florida National Guard to be activated and on stand-by.

The state of emergency includes Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Sarasota, Manatee and Polk counties, as well as coastal counties and inland areas of South Florida.

As of Friday afternoon, the storm — which could become Hurricane Ian — was located around 1,000 miles southeast of Havana, Cuba. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center say the storm will intensify as it approaches Cuba and is expected to become a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph in the Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday.

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