11 days ago
TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Ida was downgraded from hurricane strength Monday and state agencies went on full alert to help Panhandle residents hit by high winds and flooding.
Click here to read the state of emergency declaration. (PDF)
"The main threats from Ida are high winds, storm surge, heavy rains and isolated tornados," Crist said at an afternoon briefing in the state's Emergency Operations Center. "We were reminded during tropical storm Fay that a storm does not have to be a hurricane to be life-threatening."
Tropical storm warnings were posted for the Panhandle, as far east as the Aucilla River.
Ruben Almaguer, director of the Division of Emergency Management, said there are three weeks left in hurricane season. He noted that Ida had been a Category 2 hurricane on Sunday, although it was expected to weaken significantly before making landfall early Tuesday.
Almaguer said the EOC went to Level One operational status, with officials of all state agencies called to duty. The Florida Highway Patrol told officers to be ready to move into the Panhandle, if needed, and Florida National Guard units were also alerted to have supplies and vehicles ready.
Crist and Almaguer said residents should stay informed of storm news, avoid downed power lines or flooded areas and check on neighbors who might need help. The state also has a preparedness site on the Internet at http://www.floridadisaster.org/ for late information on storm status, evacuation routes and other updates.
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