Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency in 25 counties ahead of Tropical Depression Nine
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 25 counties as officials prepare for possible impacts from Tropical Depression Nine, which is forecast to strengthen and potentially bring dangerous weather to parts of the state.
The governor signed Executive Order 26-202 to allow emergency management teams to begin positioning supplies and equipment before the storm reaches the Gulf Coast.
The declaration is part of a broader preparation effort involving the Florida State Emergency Response Team (SERT), which is mobilizing resources to support communities that could experience flooding, damaging winds, and other storm-related hazards.
According to the governor’s announcement, the tropical system could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane before reaching the central Gulf Coast later in the week.
Although the exact location of landfall remains uncertain, officials are preparing for impacts that could extend well beyond the area where the storm eventually comes ashore.
“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a state of emergency ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9. This order will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management to stage critical preparedness resources and ensure Florida is ready to respond,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Floridians should take this time to get disaster plans in place and ensure their hurricane supply kit is stocked.”
The emergency declaration covers counties across North Florida, including communities in the Panhandle and other areas that could face severe weather as the system approaches.
The 25 counties included in the order are Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla, and Washington.
Emergency officials are taking steps to ensure that equipment and essential supplies can be deployed quickly if conditions worsen.
SERT teams are preparing staging locations in Tallahassee and the Santa Rosa area, where resources will be positioned to support response operations.
The supplies include generators, fuel, flood barriers, pallets of bottled water, shelf-stable meals, flood buckets, tarps, Tiger Dams, and sandbags.
These materials are intended to help emergency crews respond to flooding, provide essential supplies, and support communities affected by the storm.
Flood protection equipment is receiving particular attention because of the possibility of additional heavy rainfall across North Florida.
The state has already experienced significant rainfall, leaving some areas with saturated ground. More precipitation could increase the likelihood of flash flooding, particularly where the soil cannot absorb additional water.
Forecasters also warn that strong winds, coastal flooding, and isolated tornadoes could accompany the system.
These threats may affect locations outside the immediate landfall area, making preparation important for communities across the northern part of the state.
The governor’s office emphasized that taking precautions before the storm strengthens will allow emergency personnel to respond more effectively if assistance becomes necessary.
Residents are being encouraged to review their household emergency plans and check their hurricane supply kits while there is still time to prepare.
Officials also recommend following updates from emergency management agencies as forecasts develop and the storm’s potential path becomes clearer.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides disaster preparedness information and guidance for households through its official website, FloridaDisaster.org.
Residents can use the website to learn more about preparing for hurricanes and other severe weather events.
The Florida State Emergency Response Team is also sharing updates through its official X account, @FLSERT.
With the system expected to strengthen, state officials are continuing preparations while monitoring the potential threats to Florida’s Gulf Coast and northern counties.
The emergency declaration allows resources to be positioned ahead of possible impacts, rather than waiting until severe conditions arrive.
For residents in the affected counties, the state’s message is to prepare early, stay informed, and remain alert as the tropical system develops.
Source verification: The emergency order and preparations are confirmed by the Florida Governor’s Office. The system was subsequently named Tropical Storm Isaias on October 7, according to WFSU News. The article above reflects the original October 6 announcement.
