Prepare Now: Tropical System Moving into Gulf
Members across Florida are urged to prepare for potential impacts from a tropical disturbance that is forecast to develop into Hurricane Helene.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® is urging members – particularly those in the Big Bend area – to start preparing for the possibility of severe weather as forecasters predict a tropical disturbance moving into the Gulf to become the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund: There When You Need It
Forecasters say the disturbance is expected to become Hurricane Helene on Wednesday as it approaches the Gulf Coast with possible impacts in the Panhandle and portions of the West Coast. It’s still too early to tell exactly where the storm will go, but heavy rain is expected to begin Wednesday in the Southeastern U.S., threatening flash and river flooding.
The National Hurricane Center said, “It could be a major hurricane when it reaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday. On Monday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in the following counties: Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
To help associations, brokerages and agents prepare for this storm and others, Florida Realtors created a printable Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Plan. The plan, also available on the Florida Realtors website, includes helpful tips and information to protect your business.
In addition, the Florida Realtors Hurricane Center webpage includes links to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund and important news about the hurricane season.
Other useful links:
- Florida Realtors Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- National Hurricane Center
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
© 2024 Florida Realtors®