MADRID, Spain.- The Florida Keys, in Monroe County, are under a state of emergency due to the threat of potential tropical cyclone number 9, which is expected to intensify and become a powerful hurricane in the coming days. This meteorological phenomenon not only puts the population at risk, but also the inhabitants of the Florida Keys. Cuba and Mexico, but also to the west coast of Florida, including the Keys.
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 41 counties, including Monroe, on Monday as a precautionary measure against the possible devastating effects of the system. “We are tracking Potential Tropical Cyclone #9, which will likely strengthen this week as it enters the Gulf of Mexico. I have issued the Executive Order 24-208, “I have declared a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties that could be impacted by the storm, and I have directed state agencies to prepare as necessary,” DeSantis said through your account in X.
According to meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system will move northwestward over the Caribbean Sea, later entering the Gulf of Mexico, where it is expected to intensify considerably. AccuWeather experts have warned that the cyclone could become a Category 3 hurricane, with winds exceeding 111 mph, which would make it the strongest hurricane to hit the United States this season. Currently, a tropical storm watch has been issued for the Dry Tortugas and the lower part of the Keys, south of the Seven Mile Bridge.
DeSantis urged residents in the most vulnerable areas, including the Panhandle, Big Bend and much of the central and eastern Gulf Coast, to complete their preparations by Wednesday night, when dangerous conditions are expected to begin affecting the region on Thursday.
Additionally, the Coast Guard has established Port Condition Plan X-Ray for the ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee and Fort Myers due to forecast sustained hurricane-force winds of 39 to 73 mph over the next 48 hours. Commercial vessels and ocean-going barges over 500 gross tons should prepare to leave port if directed to do so by authorities.
If confirmed as a named storm, the storm would be named “Helene,” and could bring strong breezes, sporadic rainfall, high surf, and hazardous sea conditions to South Florida, depending on its final track and strength.
