Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference in regard to Hurricane Idalia and the preparations that are underway.
According to the Florida Governor, storm surge in some areas in the big bend could reach 8-12 feet if the storm hits at high tide.
This would be life life-threatening storm sure, he said, and evacuation orders are already in place in areas that are low-lying in the north.
Governor DeSantis said that local officials and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are coordinating with power companies to deploy 30,000-40,000 Lineman who will be restoring power operations after the storm hits.
Duke Energy has been staging 5,000 of their own linemen along with trucks and other assets in preparation for #Idalia.Florida Power and Light, TECO, and Co-ops and municipal utilities are also staging assets ready to deploy as soon as it is safe.We have at least 25,000… pic.twitter.com/0XZHHXOi1G
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 29, 2023
FDOT began waiving tolls at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning in the Tampa Bay region.
DeSantis has also said they have 420,000 gallons of fuel at the ready to deploy to affected communities. The state has delivered over 431 pallets of water and is distributing 1200 tarps to communities in need.
The Florida Governor has said there are over 20 shelters opened and an additional
20 special needs shelters in place across the state.
According to DeSantis, there are eight search and rescue teams with 580 personnel and 33 ambulance strike teams at the ready for when the storm passes.
FDOT 671 crewmembers staged near impact zones to clear roadways, deliver supplies, and aid and assist first responders.
FDOT says there are 13 traffic managers who are monitoring traffic conditions, road closures, bridge closures, etc.
FDOT officials say Florida 511 will update residents in real-time for the latest traffic updates effect by the Hurricane.
The division of Emergency Management has put together a new guide a a resource for people new to the state and the area and who don't have experience dealing with hurricanes.
The new resource can be found at https://www.floridadisaster.org/guide
According to FDOT and the Governor, both say approximately 1,100 generators are en route for impacted areas to aid in traffic signals that may lose power.
FDOT and the Florida Highway Patrol are working with local law enforcement, and local officials to close bridges once wind gusts hit upwards of 40 miles per hour.
Governor DeSantis says the storm will hit tomorrow morning but we will see effects later today and are urging residents to take precautions, and to remember that safety comes first.
