DeSantis declares state of emergency in 34 Florida counties, including Hillsborough, Pasco

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday declared a state of emergency in 34 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, as Subtropical Storm Nicole threatened to bring rough weather to the state.

Nicole formed in the Atlantic on Monday morning. Forecasters predict it will strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in southeast Florida later this week. It could dump up to 6 inches of rain onto parts of the Tampa Bay area and stir up tropical-force winds.

“While this storm does not, at this time, appear that it will become much stronger, I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials,” DeSantis said in a statement. “We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida.”

DeSantis said he issued the order “in an abundance of caution so that communities can prepare and families and businesses can create a plan and gather necessary resources in the event that Subtropical Storm Nicole gains in strength.”

The counties under the state of emergency are: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

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