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Gov. Scott: Floridians must be prepared as Hurricane Florence threatens East Coast

rick scott
rick scott
Posted at 1:00 PM, Sep 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-09 22:19:06-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - After a briefing from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Florence, Governor Rick Scott is urging Floridians to get prepared. 

Florence strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane Sunday morning and is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane by Monday and approach the southeastern U.S. coast later this week.  

Currently, there is no part of Florida under a hurricane or tropical storm warning.

According to the current National Weather Service forecast, the primary impact for Florence to Florida will be extremely dangerous surf conditions including life-threatening rip current along the east coast. 

In a statement, Gov. Scott said: 

“This morning, I received a full briefing from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Florence. With Florence strengthening into a hurricane this morning and continuing to move east, Florida families need to remain alert and remember that storms like this can change course and strengthen at any moment. While our state is not under any current weather advisories, in Florida, we know how quickly a major storm can shift its path and we cannot leave preparedness up to chance. Now is the time to get prepared to make sure your family is safe. FDEM continues to be in contact with local emergency management officials in preparation for any impact Hurricane Florence may have on Florida. I urge every family to visit www.FloridaDisaster.org today to make an emergency preparedness plan and sign-up to receive emergency alerts and public safety notifications for your community.”

Gov. Scott said he will continue to receive updates on Hurricane Florence as it develops.

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Florence. Floridians should follow @FLSert on Twitter for updates, as well as updates from the National Hurricane Center.