Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for all of Florida ahead of a potential landfall of Hurricane Dorian.
He previously issued the emergency only for Florida counties that may have been in the path of the storm.
DeSantis is urging all Floridians to prepare for impact following the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center that predict Dorian making landfall on Florida's east coast as a hurricane.
A state of emergency ensures that officials will have ample time and resources to prepare.
In a statement, DeSantis said:
"Today, I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure Florida is fully prepared for Hurricane Dorian. It's important for Floridians on the East Coast to monitor this storm closely. Every Florida resident should have seven days of supplies, including food, water and medicine, and should have a plan in case of disaster. I will continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian closely with emergency management officials. The state stands ready to support all counties along the coast as they prepare."
DeSantis made his way to Brevard County Thursday to make sure residents were prepared for potential impact.
"As soon as the storm comes, getting the power back on for folks and working with the utilities making sure they have plans for that and having availability of fuel," DeSantis said.
Gov. DeSantis said Friday that officials with the Florida Highway Patrol will be on hand to escort fuel trucks in the case of a fuel shortage. He also said that officials have cleared the roads on all major highways in the event of evacuations.
Tolls will be suspended if evacuation orders are issued.
"Obviously Orange County is going to be affected by this, but you're going to have people fleeing from some of the coastal areas to Orange County," DeSantis said during a press conference.
The governor also said he had a conversation with President Trump about Hurricane Dorian and was told Florida will have all the support it needs.
Cox Media Group
