Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Hurricane Irma

The Governor of Florida has declared a State of Emergency !!

Preparing for a possible hit by Hurricane Irma.

They're watching close.

They're studying the forecast models.

They want to minimize the impacts of the "bureaucracy".

Not bad.

Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Hurricane Irma

Today, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma – a major Category 4 storm approaching Florida. By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma’s path – potentially impacting millions of Floridians. Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

a reply to: xuenchen

In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

So true, but for some reason I am not too worried about this one. I think we will get some heavy rains and some low to moderate winds, but I don't think it will be much more than that.

I am not going to put up my shutters until they have a more precise track, and I don't think I will need them. As far as power outages go, I live in the woods, so I get brownouts and power outages every time the wind blows over 10 miles an hour. FPL has me on speed dial.

I got plenty of water, a hand water pump, and enough staples for a week or so, so I am good.

We have done this before. Lots of times before. Got gas for my chain saws just in case.

Pray I am right.

a reply to: NightSkyeB4Dawn

Well may the Force be with you lady.

Hopefully it won't be another disaster.

I'm glad the Governor did that preemptively. I've been on the South Florida East Coast since 1989, and have stayed in my home for every storm since, and a few of them where very "hairy".

I do NOT wish this storm upon anybody, but all we can really do is hope for the best case scenario, that leads to the least destruction and loss of life.

As a life long resident I urge everybody in this storms path to get water, fuel, non perishable ready to eat food. If your home is not suitable for a CAT 2+ storm I urge you to find the nearest shelter. Be ready for weeks of no power and no fuel and supplies running low everywhere.

Here's to hoping for the best,

How much rain will this one have? A wet Andrew? That's horrifying winds as it is, let alone rain. Looks like I gotta get ready to house family here, at this point doesn't sound like they should stay unless it's an only option.

a reply to: starwarsisreal
Thanks.

I have lived in Florida long enough, and have been through more than my share of hurricanes. As long as the levee doesn't break or a tornado doesn't plow through, I think we will be okay.

I don't fear hurricanes, but I respect them.

a reply to: xuenchen

I hope like hell that it's nothing and everyone is okay.

a reply to: xuenchen

Looking like it is going to go up the panhandle.

Weather update Irma

I hope it weakens. Be safe out there folks.

a reply to: xuenchen

Well, good planning on his part, because they have a lot of disaster down there today!!

I got updates from some family I have in Florida, Zephyrhills area, close to Tampa. All of mine safe, which is awesome! No damage to their homes, save a fence damaged for one, and that's nothing, all considered.

Fro the ground there, I have been told Pinellas county is essential personnel only, eastern Pasco county is alright, but western is a literal disaster. No power at all, still, for the family there, and it could be days. At least they don't have flooding where they are, so that's something! Naples, I am told, saw Cat 4 level for a good 6 hours, but it weakened to a Cat 2 by the time Tampa was hit, so it could have been a lot worse than it is. Still no idea how bad the storm surge was there, though I did see pics, before they were hit, if places with no water, where the hurricane had sucked it all out to sea. Creepy stuff, I have to say!!

Still have a cousin about whom we have no word, in the Sarasota area, and they had the eye pass over, so a bit concerned there. Prayers appreciated for that, and for continued safety for the rest of the family there. Concerned, too, for some in Tennessee, where they were seeing high winds this afternoon, already.

Hope any members there are staying safe!