MIAMI, FL (352today.com) – As meteorologists from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipated, the disturbance that was once known as Invest 93L has now developed into Tropical Depression Ten.
As of 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, the NHC says depression is forecast to become a tropical storm by Sunday and strengthen during the next few days. The NHC says it could become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, bringing the potential of dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall and strong winds to portions of the west coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle by the middle of next week.
The NHC advisory indicates it’s still too soon to specify the exact location and magnitude of impacts. Floridians are urged to stay weather aware and make sure you have a hurricane plan in place.
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for 33 Florida counties which includes all counties in the 352 except Lake County. The declaration allows the Florida Department of Emergency Management to begin staging resources.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES RECOMMENDED
Due to the uncertainty in the direction and intensity in the forecast, many counties are their residents to review their storm preparations now.
Sumter County
Sumter County said its emergency management officials are monitoring the tropical activity and urging preparedness. Sumter County sent a release Saturday afternoon saying, “While Sumter County is inland, it can still receive heavy rains, high winds and tornadoes.”
“Now is the time to take the necessary preparedness actions if you want to be as ready as possible for a hurricane,” said David Castro, director of emergency management for Sumter
County. “Being prepared also provides a level of re-assurance and minimizes the stress of trying to accomplish tasks at the last minute when there will be competition for obtaining supplies, etc.”
The tips they provided are relevant for anyone who may be living in the potential path.
Make sure you have plenty of batteries, backup generator for appliances or sump pump, nonperishable foods, wood to protect doors and windows, and even a tarp in case you need it to cover your roof in case of damage.
RELATED: Hurricane prep supplies sold tax-free this weekend, until Sept. 8
Make sure drains and gutters are clear so they can better handle heavy rains. Waterproof your crawl space.
If possible, have a generator installed at your home that can be used in case there
of a prolonged power outage.
These key steps can help assure you make it successfully through a tropical storm event:
• Know and understand the hurricane hazards.
• Make plans such as where to go in case of an emergency and precautions for any pets
and animals.
• Make sure you have enough food and water to last you seven to 14 days. Don’t forget
your pets.
• Review your homeowner and business coverage with your insurance provider. Find out
what is covered and not covered before you file a claim.
• Strengthen your home such as protecting windows, garages and doors.
• Help your neighbors, especially for those who need extra assistance.
Did you know? Sumter County can send you alerts to let you know of severe weather directly to your telephone, text and email via AlertSumter. For more information on preparedness or signing up for AlertSumter, go to the county’s website.
Citrus County
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office announced two self-serve sandbag locations open starting Saturday, August 26, at 8 a.m. to allow citizens to prepare early for the possibility of tropical weather next week.
The locations are:
????????? ????????? ????: 4210 Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa
???????????? ????: 501 N Baseball Pt, Crystal River
Residents can also take advantage of the sales tax holiday on disaster preparedness items that runs through Friday, September 8. A full listing of tax-free items can be found here.
You can get good ideas of what items you will need at SumterPrepares.com.