State of Emergency Declared Ahead of Tropical Storm Erika

As Tropical Storm Erika continues to wreak havoc in the Caribbean on a projected collision course with Florida, a state of emergency has been declared.

Gov. Rick Scott issued the executive order Friday morning, saying the storm, anticipated to travel up the state’s spine, “poses a severe threat to the entire State of Florida.” Scott’s order notes the need for “timely precautions” to be taken in communities across the state.

See Also:

• Tropical Storm Erika Takes Aim at Florida
• Florida Prepares as Tropical Storm Erika Draws Closer
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• Tampa Bay ‘Ripe for Disaster,’ Hurricane Experts Say
• Tropical Storm Erika: Where to Turn for Local Information

The state of emergency extends to every county in Florida while providing the authority to the director of the Division of Emergency Management to execute the state’s emergency management plan. It also activates the Florida National Guard, among other actions.

As of Friday morning, Tropical Storm Erika was packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm is expected to make landfall in south Florida on Monday morning. Its effects are likely to be felt in the Tampa Bay area sometime overnight Monday. Forecasters in the Bay area are urging residents to prepare for potentially heavy rains and strong, gusty winds.

Scott’s full order may be viewed online via the state’s website.

image from the National Hurricane Center