Updated at 6:30 p.m.
Tropical Depression Nine formed this morning in the Caribbean and looks set to develop into a hurricane by Monday morning - with Florida potentially on its path soon after that.
Although it is too early for an accurate forecast, the National Hurricane Center's latest model has South Florida in the system's ‘cone’, with tropical storm winds possibly arriving in the Keys as early as Monday afternoon.
The storm - set to be named Ian - is currently shaped to potentially strike the central-south parts of the Gulf coast as a category 3 system between Tuesday and Wednesday. But much can change in the coming hours and days.
This afternoon Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the 24 potentially affected counties, including Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The governor cited the storm’s potential to escalate into a major hurricane in his declaration.
Jeff George, chief meteorologist at the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, said: "The general agreement is the storm will track through the Caribbean this weekend and possibly approach Florida early to mid-next week. There is still lots of uncertainty with the evolution of the system and the track could change significantly, but it's never too early to prepare."
In a press conference this morning, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava spoke about the storm and how residents can prepare for what may come.
"It's still early and the exact forecast remains uncertain," she said. "Florida is in the cone of concern and we urge our community to continue monitoring this storm. Now is the time to make sure you have a hurricane plan in place for yourself and your family and to double-check that you have a hurricane emergency kit and it is fully stocked."
Miami-Dade County's Emergency Management Director, Pete Gomez, said they are monitoring the storm and ensuring that the county's key departments know what is to come and that residents know what to prepare for.
"Right now, the biggest message to the community is to be prepared," said Gomez. "Make sure that your hurricane plans are up to date and you have everything taken care of prior to the event, especially if you live in an evacuation zone.
“Know where you're going, make sure your cars are fueled up, and another important part is - if you've got pets, you know, make sure that we take care of our pets."
Gomez says that the County Department of Emergency Management will be having daily calls with the National Hurricane Center, Regional Emergency Managers, and the State of Florida Emergency Management to ensure a coordinated response to the storm.
“Make a plan, know your risk and stay informed,” said Director of Emergency Management for Pinellas County Cathie Perkins.
Ahead of any storm impacts, Perkins reminds residents of all the conventional wisdom: have your hurricane kit stocked, secure your home, and have a plan ready to go whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating.
You can look up your evacuation zone online, if you reside within one, or if your home resides within a flood zone. Perkins said even if you already know this information to double check, as evacuation zones can be updated year-to-year. Additional evacuations may be announced for low-lying areas if necessary.
Meteorologist Jeff George added: "Florida residents and visitors should check the forecast daily, review hurricane plans and gather necessary supplies just to be on the safe side. For now, don't panic, stay plugged in and keep prepping, so you can calmly execute your plan if necessary."
The office of Gov. DeSantis said the declaration of emergency would "make available important resources and support, as well as free up funding sources for emergency protective measures."
“This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations. We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm," he added, in a press release. He also requested a federal pre-landfall emergency declaration.
Resources to prepare for this storm can be found at floridadisaster.org/planprepare.
