TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update Sunday morning on statewide preparations as Tropical Storm Ian makes its way closer to Florida.
The governor began by reminding residents to make preparations now in anticipation of tropical storm and hurricane-force conditions for areas within the so-called "cone of uncertainty."
He said all areas between Tampa Bay and Escambia County must be ready for potential evacuations.
Click here to see the latest forecasts regarding Ian, which as of midday Sunday is expected to reach Category 4 strength at its peak, with some weakening before it makes landfall.
DeSantis said all 67 counties are under an emergency declaration. Weight restrictions have been halted for supply trucks. The state is working with all utility companies in the state in anticipation of a large loss of power.
2,500 Florida National Guard members have been activated and more are on standby for recovery response.
In preparation for Tropical Storm #Ian, I directed @MyFDOT to waive weight restrictions for commercial trucks to ensure ample fuel and resources are coming into FL.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 25, 2022
We've also waived state requirements to ensure pharmacies can prescribe 30-day emergency refills for medications.
Florida Division of Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie says more than 2 million meals and drinking water are being loaded and prepared for dispatch.
Visit floridadisaster.org/know to learn whether you live in an evacuation zone that may be affected by this storm.
Ian was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane early Monday morning, with the expectation of it strengthening into a Category 4 storm before weakening upon impact with the Florida coast by Friday.
