President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida as Tropical Storm Helene approaches the Gulf Coast, allowing federal aid to support evacuation efforts and disaster relief.
President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency in Florida on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Helene advances toward the state’s Gulf Coast, poised to bring torrential rainfall, significant flooding risks, and powerful winds.
The declaration facilitates the release of federal resources to bolster state, tribal, and local efforts in preparation for the storm’s anticipated landfall. Biden’s authorization permits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate comprehensive disaster relief operations, including evacuation logistics and shelter management, aimed at minimizing the storm’s potential impact on affected communities. Currently a tropical storm, Helene is forecast to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane as it traverses the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Florida.
John E. Brogan has been appointed the federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s response in Florida. In this capacity, he will oversee the deployment of federal resources to support evacuation efforts, establish shelters, and initiate recovery measures as the storm progresses.
FEMA will cover 75 percent of the costs associated with critical emergency protective measures, including evacuations and mass care operations. In total, 43 counties are eligible for federal aid, with 30 receiving comprehensive support for evacuation and shelter operations, while the remaining 13 will receive more limited federal assistance. Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaking on Wednesday, confirmed that the state had received partial approval for its pre-landfall emergency declaration from FEMA, though he noted plans to seek broader support as the situation evolves.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the storm’s inland trajectory, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency, preparing for Helene’s potential impact as it continues its path northward.
Helene is expected to bring significant rainfall, with some areas projected to receive up to 10 inches of precipitation, raising concerns about flash flooding and a dangerous storm surge along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Wind speeds could reach up to 100 mph, according to forecasters from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), who predict that Helene will intensify before it makes landfall.
“There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Big Bend,” the NHC warned in its latest update. “The highest inundation levels are expected along the coastline of the Florida Big Bend region, particularly in low-lying areas.”