Florida Emergency Operations Center Elevates Activation Status Ahead of Tropical Depression Nine

Eric Chaney
Published: August 30,2016
Floridians are loading up sandbags and checking emergency supplies as they await the arrival of Tropical Depression Nine, which is currently in the Gulf of Mexico but closing in on the state.
Pasco County officials are urging people in low-lying areas to leave before the storm hits, WFLA.com reported, though no mandatory evacuation orders have been issued.
Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that the State Emergency Operations Center has elevated its activation status to Level 2 in preparation for potential impacts from Tropical Depression Nine.
(MORE: Check the Forecast for Tropical Depression Nine

Steve Pearson, of Clearwater, is pummeled by a squall of rain during a walk on the Dunedin Causeway as thunderstorms moved through Pinellas County bringing wind and heavy rain, Monday, Aug. 29,2016, in Dunedin, Florida.
(Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

"It is important for Florida families and businesses to prepare for heavy rainfall, gusty winds and flooding," Scott said in a statement Monday.  "Now is the time to get prepared, since we know our state will likely be impacted over the next few days."
In the Florida Keys, received some rain from this system as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico, officials closed Dry Tortugas National Park amid concerns that the storm could “spin up quickly,” according to the Miami Herald. The park will remain closed until the storm passes.
On the mainland, officials at various emergency operations centers across the region met Monday to discuss plans in the event the storm produces torrential downpours, the Tampa Bay Times reported. At least five counties are offering residents material for sandbags, the report added.
Assuming the system does strengthen further, high surf would begin to build along the Gulf Coast of Florida by Wednesday, according to weather.com meteorologist Jon Erdman.
"The heaviest total rainfall from this tropical system appears to line up over western Cuba, South and central Florida, including the Florida Keys," said Erdman. "Many locations look primed to pick up at least 3 inches of total rainfall."
(MORE: 3 Things To Know About Tropical Depression Nine)
Park officials in the Everglades have closed at least one campground, the Miami Herald also said, and are urging visitors to check weather reports before heading to the park, since the storm could trigger localized flooding.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were scheduled to play an exhibition game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, ESPN.com reported, but that game has been moved up to Wednesday night due to anticipated severe weather. For a complete list of canceled events, check the Tampa Bay Times website.
The system will accelerate to the northeast starting Wednesday, Erdman said.
“That faster forward motion will mitigate the heavy rain threat somewhat,” he added.