Florida’s congressional delegation has asked President Joe Biden to issue a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Helene, seeking federal aid as Gov. Ron DeSantis extends the state of emergency to 61 counties.
Members of Florida’s congressional delegation formally asked President Joe Biden on Tuesday to issue a pre-landfall emergency declaration ahead of landfall of Tropical Storm Helene.
In the letter, lawmakers urged the administration to approve Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for federal assistance in preparation for the storm, which is expected to impact the state in the coming days. On Tuesday morning, DeSantis declared a revised state of emergency for 41 counties, expanding it to 61. The governor’s office is seeking federal support for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. Counties expected to be most affected include Alachua, Bay, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, and Pinellas.
The delegation cited potential threats of high winds, flooding, storm surge, and tornadoes, noting that many of the counties under the emergency declaration are still recovering from Hurricane Debby.
“Federal resources will be necessary to augment the state funds available to respond to areas impacted by this storm,” the lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully ask, within all applicable rules and regulation, that you urgently review and respond to the State of Florida’s request and issue the request.”
The letter was signed by Representatives Brian Mast, Michael Waltz, Laurel M. Lee, Frederica S. Wilson, Anna Paulina Luna, W. Gregory Steube, Kat Cammack, Maria Elvira Salazar, Scott Franklin, Mario Diaz-Balart, Bill Posey, Lois Frankel, Vern Buchanan, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Carlos Gimenez, Byron Donalds, Daniel Webster, Cory Mills, Darren Soto, Kathy Castor, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz
According to the National Hurricane Center’s latest update, Tropical Storm Helene is forecast to intensify as it moves into the far northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearing hurricane strength by early Wednesday. As the system advances into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, it is projected to strengthen rapidly, potentially becoming a major hurricane before reaching the northeastern Gulf Coast by Thursday. The Florida Panhandle and the state’s west coast are at increasing risk of life-threatening storm surges and destructive hurricane-force winds. Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches have already been issued for much of the region.
In addition to strong winds, Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall. In Florida, flash flooding and urban inundation are likely in some areas, the agency reported.