(AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday declared a state of emergency for 26 Florida counties, including Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
DeSantis is urging residents to take precautions as Hurricane Dorian strengthens in the Caribbean on a path expected to take it to the U.S. Mainland.
Florida officials said Wednesday that they are preparing for the hurricane to make landfall somewhere along the state's eastern shore.
🌀 MORE: WPTV Hurricane Section|TRACKER: Animated Maps| Hurricane Survival Guide | DOWNLOAD: WPTV app | LATEST FORECAST | LIVE: Radar
Counties under the state of emergency include:
Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia and Union.
The National Hurricane Center says the Category 1 storm could grow into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane as it swirls toward Florida.
While the storm's track remains uncertain, the governor says people should stock up on at least a week's worth of food and water, but be prepared to evacuate when advised.
The governor's declaration allows resources to be more efficiently and urgently marshaled ahead of the hurricane's arrival.
As Hurricane #Dorian approaches, I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure local governments and emergency management agencies have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared. Please continue to follow local reports and @FLSERT for updates. https://t.co/FyQM6wd8er
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 28, 2019