Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Thursday declaring a state of emergency for parts of Florida ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.
The governor declared the following counties under a state of emergency:
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.
The state of emergency allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills regardless of typical limits, the Florida Department of Health said.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management is hosting daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently, DeSantis said in a news release Friday.
The WPTV First Alert Weather team is monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. A flood watch is in effect for Palm Beach County through Sunday evening. The watch is also in effect for Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the southwest coast of Florida from East Cape Sable to Boca Grande.
The disturbance is expected to move over Cuba Friday night, cross the Straits of Florida into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, and then move near or over the west coast of Florida Saturday night through Sunday night.
TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
Parts of Palm Beach County are under a "slight" risk of excessive rainfall, the second lowest tier, while the rest of our viewing area is under a "marginal" risk, the lowest tier.
Parts of our area could pick up two to five inches of rainfall over the coming days.
Floridians are encouraged to know the flood risks in their area and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. To learn more, click here.
