DeSantis orders preparations for tropical system expected to enter Gulf

TALLAHASSEEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered state emergency authorities to monitor and prepare for a potential tropical weather system entering the Gulf of Mexico and to potentially impact Florida’s Gulf coast.

The system has not officially formed yet and is still marked a “disturbance” by the National Hurricane Center as of Friday morning. Since the time of reporting, it could develop and projections could shift.

“Residents should remain vigilant and prepare for possible impacts early next week,” DeSantis announced Thursday evening.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management urged Floridians revisit their disaster plan and ensure their disaster kit is stocked for at least seven days.

WINK News chief meteorologist Matt Devitt said the “odds are increasing” for a system to affect Florida for the first half of next week.

“Highest probability is Florida, but too early for precise track and what part of the west coast,” he said. “As a result, we can’t talk specifics yet on rain, wind, etc.”

Devitt said at the moment, the range of strength is wide, ranging from a tropical storm to potentially a Category 1 hurricane, both subject to change depending on the storm’s speed and other factors.

“For Florida it would be as early as Monday to as late as Wednesday,” he said. “Within that window.”

“Please be smart and put things into perspective if you see a worst case scenario model floating around the internet. Always look for model consistency and trends, not what just shows the worst. Relax and monitor for now until specifics become more clear soon.”

For the most up-to-date weather reports, check in with expert meteorologists and the National Hurricane Center as the system continues to make progress.

Hurricane season ends Nov. 30.