By Anthony Payero
(FLORIDA) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a state of emergency for certain sections of the state ahead of incoming Tropical Storm Elsa, according to WFLA.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the state is at a higher risk of seeing storm surges, rainfall and tropical storm conditions through Wednesday.
DeSantis’ state of emergency is in place for Hillsborough, Sarasota, Charlotte, Citrus, Pinellas, Pasco, Lee, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Levy counties, per WFLA.
The governor said this list may change depending on the storm’s trajectory.
“If it does go west, we could even take Miami-Dade out of it if there’s not gonna be any impact in Miami-Dade,” DeSantis said. “If it stays close to east, then obviously, potentially, as we get into northern Florida, we’re probably gonna have to add some counties in the interior.”
DeSantis named Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, as the state coordinating officer for the state’s response to the storm.
“Our executive order will assist the division and the state emergency response team to the storm, ensuring Floridians are prepared for potential impact,” DeSantis said.
The storm is expected to hit the Sunshine State on Monday afternoon, according to a National Weather Service official.