Gov. Rick Scott has elevated the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee to Level 2 as Florida prepares for what has been named Tropical Depression No. 3 developing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Scott issued a statement 11:15 a.m. Sunday: “As we continue to closely monitor this tropical depression, Floridians should remain vigilant and have an emergency plan for their families and businesses in place today.”
The warning is a reminder to Florida residents, visitors and businesses to stay vigilant and prepared for the possibility of severe weather, heavy rain and flooding from the depression, which could develop into a tropical storm before reaching Florida’s west coast.
The Level 2 activation, Scott said, helps state and local emergency management officials work together to “ensure our state is ready to respond to any impacts of this weather event.”
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon added: “As the tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico approaches the state, county emergency management officials are enacting their protective actions in accordance with their local plans. We are activating to Level 2 and engaging the State Emergency Response Team to assist our local partners in fulfilling any protective action measures or life-safety needs they may have.”
The SEOC has three activation levels; Level 1 being the highest:
- Level 3: Normal daily active monitoring
- Level 2: Activation of mission-specific emergency support and planning functions
- Level 1: Full activation of all emergency support functions
