Gov. Scott: Floridians Must be Prepared for Significant Rain, Possible Flooding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott urged Floridians to prepare for significant rain and possible flooding as the state continues to monitor the development of a weather system in the Caribbean Sea. In anticipation of heavy rain and flooding across Gulf Coast communities this week, Governor Scott today also directed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director Eric Sutton to pre-position and stage the agency’s high water vehicles and other flood response resources for rapid deployment if needed. The weather system, now designated as Invest 90L by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), is currently east of Belize and producing a large area of disorganized weather as it slowly moves north into the Gulf of Mexico. The Governor received a briefing from the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on the weather system this morning.

Governor Scott said, “As we continue to monitor the developing weather system in the Caribbean Sea, we know that families can never be too careful or over-prepared when it comes to severe weather. Although the storm currently has a relatively low chance of development into a tropical system, we must take it seriously. That’s why it is critically important that all Floridians take this opportunity to get prepared and make a plan that ensures the safety of their family and loved ones. To make sure we are absolutely prepared, today, I also directed FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton to pre-position and stage its high water vehicles and all other flood response resources so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of any flooding. FDEM is working hand-in-hand with the NHC to track this weather and we will continue to release regular updates on Florida’s preparation for severe weather and flooding as this system develops. I encourage all Floridians to follow @FLSERT on Twitter and visit FloridaDisaster.org to create an emergency preparedness plan for their family today.”

Click the image below to go to the National Hurricane Center's website.