Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott spoke with Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), regarding Tropical Cyclone Nine, which is expected to impact the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast. The storm is forecasted to make landfall on Thursday and may strengthen into a major hurricane, posing risks of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds.

Hurricane watches and warnings are anticipated to be issued for the Panhandle and Gulf Coast by tomorrow morning. Following his briefing with the NHC, Senator Scott released a statement urging Floridians to take immediate action.

"We have a lot of new Floridians in our state, so I want to be very clear: EVERYONE MUST TAKE THIS STORM SERIOUSLY," said Senator Scott. "In 2018, Hurricane Michael took a very similar path to what Tropical Cyclone Nine is forecast to follow. Hurricane Michael was initially expected to hit the Panhandle as a tropical storm, but over the course of just four days, Michael intensified to a major category five storm that destroyed Mexico Beach and many other communities in northwest Florida."

He continued, "Do not underestimate this storm and do not wait to get prepared. As we know, the track of these storms can change, so all Floridians should monitor this. The time to make a plan and get ready is NOW."

Scott emphasized that everyone on the Gulf Coast should prepare for significant flooding, storm surge, and destructive wave activity. "We know just how quickly storms can develop and intensify," he said. "Now is your chance to make a preparedness plan and take steps to keep your loved ones safe. As I always say: we can rebuild a house, but we cannot rebuild a life. Don’t wait until this storm hits…make a plan today."

Floridians are encouraged by Senator Scott to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for preparation guidelines. Updates on Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine can be found at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on X (formerly Twitter), as well as from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.