Florida Gov. Rick Scott is declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties because of Tropical Storm Emily.
Scott issued the declaration on Monday morning for Emily, which made a late-morning landfall along the coast and is expected to cross the Florida peninsula in coming hours.
I’ve declared a state of emergency in 31 counties in response to Tropical Storm Emily: https://t.co/VmOREXmqoN (1/3)
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) July 31, 2017
This state of emergency gives the state the flexibility to work with local governments to ensure they have the resources they may need (2/3)
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) July 31, 2017
.@FLGuard stands ready to assist with any storm related impacts. (3/3)
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) July 31, 2017
Florida has a total of 67 counties. The emergency declaration covers all counties in the central and southern regions of the state.
The emergency declaration makes it easier for state and local officials to respond to the storm. It also triggers certain laws dealing with price-gouging and allows local authorities to use certain state buildings as shelters. The declaration also calls for the activation of the Florida National Guard to help if needed.
