Governor DeSantis declares a state of emergency as NHC path shows Dorian hitting Florida
PHOTO: David Santiago/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images
ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the counties in the path of Hurricane Dorian.
DeSantis said that all Floridians on the East Coast should prepare for impact, as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects that Dorian could reach Category 3 hurricane status before making landfall in Florida. It is expected to be a Category 2 by the time it passes over Orlando.
“Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian,” said Governor DeSantis. “It’s important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster.”
By declaring a state of emergency, DeSantis ensures that state and local governments have ample time, resources, and flexibility to prepare. DeSantis said that the State Emergency Operations Center will activate to a Level 2 on Thursday morning, enhancing the coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies.
RELATED: Central Florida residents stock up on supplies ahead of Hurricane Dorian
“Because of the uncertainty in the track of this storm, every resident along the East Coast needs to be ready,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz. “By having an Executive Order in place and by activating the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 2, we are fully prepared to support any community that might be impacted.”
Fox 35 meteorologist Glenn Richards said if Dorian hits Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, it could be the "largest and most powerful hurricane to hit Central Florida in over 30 years."
For the latest on Dorian, visit ORLANDOHURRICANE.com.
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