DeSantis Declares Emergency in 25 Counties as Tropical Storm Isaias Approaches
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Oct. 7 declared a state of emergency in 25 Florida counties as Tropical Storm Isaias threatened the state, activating the state's emergency response apparatus, WJNO reported.
The emergency declaration covers counties in the storm's projected path across North and Central Florida, freeing up state resources and personnel for preparation and response. The Florida Division of Emergency Management activated its emergency operations center in Tallahassee and began coordinating with county emergency managers, utilities and the National Guard.
Forecasters warned of heavy rainfall, strong tropical-storm-force winds and possible tornadoes as Isaias approached the peninsula. Storm surge watches were posted for parts of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. DeSantis urged residents in affected areas to follow guidance from local emergency officials, secure outdoor property, stock food and water, and know their evacuation zone.
Florida has faced multiple tropical systems this season, and officials said they were applying lessons learned from earlier storms, including pre-positioning utility crews and opening shelters ahead of landfall. The governor's office said the declaration would remain in effect as long as the threat persists.
Schools in several counties announced closures for the end of the week, and theme parks in Central Florida said they were monitoring the forecast. Airports in the storm's path advised travelers to check flight statuses before heading to terminals.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：佛罗里达州议会大厦（塔拉哈西）。摄影：Mjrmtg，CC BY-SA 3.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
