Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott received a second briefing from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director, Dr. Michael Brennan, regarding Tropical Storm Helene. The storm is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane and pose significant risks to the Florida Panhandle and Gulf Coast. Landfall is anticipated on Thursday, with potential life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds along the coastline.

The NHC released watches and warnings for all impacted locations this morning. Last night, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging immediate approval of Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for potentially affected counties.

Following his call with the NHC, Senator Scott issued a statement: “I just got off the phone with National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan again to follow up on our briefing from yesterday on Tropical Storm Helene. This storm is gaining intensity and building strength as it travels into the Gulf of Mexico. The NHC expects storm surge in the Big Bend to be between 10 and 15 feet. THAT WILL KILL YOU. In the Tampa Bay area, we could see deadly surge up to eight feet. I want to be very clear: every Floridian must take it seriously. If told to evacuate, do not wait—get out now! First responders cannot help you once the storm hits."

Scott emphasized that even those not in the direct path or cone of the storm should prepare for impacts similar to past hurricanes like Michael and Idalia, which intensified rapidly from tropical storms to major hurricanes causing severe damage.

"My team and I are monitoring this storm closely," Scott continued, "and everyone on the Gulf Coast should prepare for a major hurricane with flooding, tornadoes, storm surge and destructive wave activity."

Senator Scott urged Floridians to visit Ready.gov/plan for preparedness information: "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 to visit Senator Scott's website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness for more information on how to prepare for Tropical Storm Helene.

###