DeSantis Issues Emergency Declaration for 34 Counties

South Florida finds itself in the cone of subtropical storm Nicole. The storm is forming northeast of the Bahamas, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has issued an emergency declaration for 34 counties.

The declaration issued for the 34 counties also includes Miami-Dade County and Broward County, which appear to be on the path of subtropical storm Nicole.

According to DeSantis’ office, the declaration was signed “in an abundance of caution so that communities can prepare and families and businesses can create a plan and gather necessary resources in the event that Subtropical Storm Nicole gains in strength.”

Meteorologists warn that the storm could make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, and South Florida could be affected.

In a news release, DeSantis further commented that “while this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials.”

“We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida,” DeSantis added.

DeSantis’ office urged Floridians to keep in mind “an increased risk of coastal flooding, heavy winds, rain, rip currents and beach erosion.”

Aside from Miami-Dade County and Broward, the other counties listed in the declaration are Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee Manatee, Martin, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia.

According to Accuweather, Florida stands to face “long-duration impacts from pounding surf, strong winds and torrential rain.” Moreover, “Nicole will strengthen into a hurricane prior to making landfall along the central Florida coast late Wednesday night or early Thursday.”