Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has spoken with Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC), to receive updates on Tropical Cyclone Nine, which poses a significant risk to the northwest Florida area and the Gulf Coast. The storm is expected to make landfall on Thursday and is likely to strengthen into a major hurricane, bringing potentially deadly storm surges and damaging winds along the coast. The NHC anticipates issuing hurricane watches and warnings for the Panhandle and along the Gulf Coast by tomorrow morning.

Following his call with the NHC, Senator Scott issued a statement urging residents to take immediate action.

Senator Rick Scott stated: “We have many new residents in Florida, so I want to be very clear: EVERYONE MUST TAKE THIS STORM SERIOUSLY. In 2018, Hurricane Michael followed a very similar path to what is projected for Tropical Cyclone Nine. Initially expected to hit the Panhandle as a tropical storm, Michael intensified into a Category Five storm over just four days, destroying Mexico Beach and many other communities in northwest Florida. Do not underestimate this storm and do not wait to prepare. As we know, these storms' paths can change, so all Florida residents must stay alert. The time to make a plan and prepare is NOW. My team and I are closely monitoring this storm, and I just got off the phone with Dr. Michael Brennan from the National Hurricane Center. Everyone on the Gulf Coast should prepare for a major hurricane with flooding, storm surges, and destructive wave activity. We know how quickly storms can develop and intensify; now is your chance to create 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. Do not wait for the storm; make a plan today.”

Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for preparation tips today. For the latest updates on Tropical Cyclone Nine from the National Hurricane Center, visit nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on X (formerly known as Twitter), and from Florida's Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.

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