Tropical Storm Hermine continues to strengthen as it heads towards Flordia, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
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While the storm isn’t expected to be a major threat, Gov.
The storm is forecast to hit somewhere along the Big Bend area of Florida on Thursday afternoon either as a strong tropical storm or a weak hurricane.
Some areas could see up to 15 inches of rain. That high volume could trigger flash flooding.
Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency in parts of the state ahead of Tropical Depression Nine. About 8,000 Florida National Guard troops are ready to be deployed if needed, Scott added.
The last hurricane to strike Florida was Wilma, a powerful Category 3 storm that arrived on Oct 24, 2005. Wilma killed 5 people in the US and did more than $20 billion in damages. It swept across the Everglades and struck heavily populated south Florida, causing five deaths in the state and an estimated $23 billion in damage. Since 2010 alone, the number of residents in the state grew by 7.8%.
Madeline is located about 105 miles south-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, moving to the west-southwest at 12 mph and bringing with it winds that have slowed to 70 mph, downgrading it to a tropical storm. It has a maximum wind speed of 50 miles per hour as it moves north-northeast at 8 miles per hour.
Sandbags are being distributed in many Tampa Bay area locations. The National Hurricane Center said the depression is becoming more organized.
In an email to board members, Superintendent Susan Moxley wrote the impact from the storm for Lake County includes the potential for possible tornadoes as a result of heavy rains and wind gusts. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Anclote River to Destin, FL, on the Gulf, and a tropical storm watch from Marineland, FL, to Altamaha Sound, GA, on the Atlantic Coast.
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Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Eight continued to move away from the North Carolina coast Wednesday.
