Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has received updated information from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) regarding Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane. The storm poses a significant threat to Florida's Panhandle and Gulf Coast, with landfall anticipated on Thursday. The NHC has issued warnings for potentially deadly storm surges and damaging winds along the coast.

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have urged President Joe Biden to approve Florida's emergency declaration request ahead of the hurricane's arrival. Following his call with the NHC, Senator Scott released a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

"I spoke by phone with the director of the National Hurricane Center, Dr. Michael Brennan, again to get new information about Tropical Storm Helene," said Senator Rick Scott. "This storm is gaining intensity and strength as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico. The NHC expects a storm surge in Big Bend between 10 and 15 feet. That will kill you. In the Tampa Bay area, we could see a deadly surge of up to eight feet. I want to be very clear: all Floridians must take this seriously. If told to evacuate, do not wait—leave now! First responders cannot help you once the storm arrives."

Scott also warned that even those not directly in the storm's path should not underestimate its impact, referencing past hurricanes like Michael and Idalia that intensified rapidly and caused significant damage in similar areas.

"My team and I are closely monitoring this storm," he continued, "and everyone on the Gulf Coast should prepare for a major hurricane with flooding, tornadoes, storm surges, and destructive waves. Do not take risks; prepare now and visit Ready.gov/plan to make a plan to stay safe and protect your loved ones."

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