Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 53 Florida counties ahead of the potential landfall of Invest 97L, a tropical wave expected to develop into a tropical depression.

Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency via an Executive Order on Thursday for 53 Florida counties ahead of the potential landfall of Invest 97L, a tropical wave that could develop into a tropical depression.

The order designates the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management as the State Coordinating Officer, granting authority to implement emergency plans, coordinate with federal agencies, and direct local government actions. The Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard are activated to support the emergency response.

“[B]ased on meteorological reports, highly conducive environmental conditions are forecast to organize and develop Invest 97L into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula,” the Executive Order reads. “based on meteorological reports, there is significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days.”

Regulatory statutes are suspended to facilitate rapid response and recovery, including waivers for toll collections, commercial vehicle registration, and size and weight restrictions for vehicles transporting emergency supplies. Public facilities, including schools, will be available as shelters if needed.

Per the order, funds from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund will be allocated to cover emergency costs. Out-of-state medical professionals are permitted to provide free services under the American Red Cross or Florida Department of Health. Price gouging laws are also enforced, making it illegal to sell essential commodities at inflated prices during the emergency.

The storm, which has been gradually organizing, could strengthen as it approaches the Florida Keys and the southern Florida Peninsula, bringing increased rainfall, thunderstorms, and rough surf. According to AccuWeather meteorologists, the system is elongated and lacks a well-defined center of low pressure required for classification as a tropical depression or storm. Nevertheless, it is already affecting the northern Caribbean islands, including the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, with heavy rain and gusty thunderstorms. These conditions have led to flash flooding, mudslides, and sporadic power outages.

Forecast models indicate two potential tracks for the storm as it nears Florida. If it strengthens quickly, it is likely to move northward along or just offshore of the eastern Florida Peninsula, bringing increased wind, rain, and the risk of urban flooding, waterspouts, and hazardous conditions for beachgoers and boaters. Conversely, if the storm remains relatively weak, it might drift toward the eastern Gulf of Mexico, still bringing significant rainfall and storm conditions.

Looking ahead to next week, there is a significant chance the storm could stall in the southeastern United States due to weakening steering breezes. This stalling could result in prolonged rainfall and flooding, particularly in coastal regions. Alternatively, if the storm follows a more northerly track, it could move back into the Atlantic, potentially affecting the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts.