Tropical Depression Nine: Gov. Rick Scott Declares State of Emergency

TALLAHASSEE, FL — As Tropical Depression Nine continues on a path that should bring it in contact with Florida’s Gulf Coast sometime on Thursday, Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for 42 counties. The depression is expected to gain tropical storm strength before making landfall.

Scott has included most of the Tampa Bay area in his order. Counties covered include Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Polk and Citrus, among others. The declaration makes it easier for the state to request federal assistance should storm damage warrant the need.

“By declaring a state of emergency in advance of this storm, we are ensuring that state, regional and local agencies can work together to meet the needs of our communities,” Scott said in a statement announcing the emergency order.

See also: Tropical Depression Nine Edges Closer to Tampa Bay

As of Wednesday morning, Tropical Depression Nine was located about 400 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was creeping north at 2 mph.

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for the Anclote River area to the Walton/Bay County line. A watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours in the watch area. A tropical storm warning has also been issued for the same area. A warning means conditions are expected to arrive within 36 hours.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office are warning Tampa Bay area residents to brace for severe weather over the next few days. In addition to heavy rain, tornadoes and storm surge also pose threats.

“Copious amounts of tropical moisture associated with this system will support widespread, heavy rains and squalls over this region on Thursday,” the agency wrote in its Wednesday morning Hazardous Weather Outlook report. Forecasters say the interior part of West Central Florida could see rainfall of 4 to 6 inches. The coastal region from St. Petersburg to Cedar Key could witness rainfall amounts up to 10 inches.

“Tropical Depression #9 poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires that timely precautions are taken to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of this State,” Scott wrote in his order.

The entire Tampa Bay area is under a flood watch starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday and continuing through until Friday night. Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon and New Port Richey are among the communities included in the flood watch.

To read the full declaration, visit the governor’s office online.

To find out more about hurricane season and storm preparation in the Tampa Bay area, read these related Patch stories:

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• 2016 Hurricane Names: Is Yours On the List?
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

To keep up with storm activity as the season develops, bookmark the National Hurricane Center’s website and keep an eye on your hometown Patch site for local information.

Image of Tropical Depression Nine courtesy of the National Hurricane Center