DeSantis orders state emergency assistance for Floridians impacted by severe storms

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Division of Emergency Management to “work with local officials and do everything possible to return life to normalcy” following severe weather that hit the Panhandle and northern Florida.

The governor thanked first responders and utility workers who are working on power and roadway restoration.

“Stay safe and heed instructions from @FLSERT and local authorities,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also declared a state of emergency for the 12 counties impacted by the the weather. Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

Crews have been mobilized to “assist with storm impacts and quickly clear roadways,” according to Florida Department of Transportation.

As of Friday at 11:00 am, almost 200,000 people were without power across the state, according to Poweroutage.us.

The City of Tallahassee reported over 66,000 customers lost service in the area.

Leon County School District closed schools early Friday due to the storms.

For bridge and road closures, click here.