TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WPEC) — Twelve northern Florida counties were placed under a state of emergency following Thursday night’s intense storms that swept through the region.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the order Friday, citing the significant damage to the state’s infrastructure caused by strong winds and possible tornadoes.
DeSantis’ office noted thousands of people in northern Florida lost power overnight and are dealing with significant damage caused by the rain, winds and falling trees.
Additionally, the region could be in store for even more severe weather Friday night, compounding the damage.
The counties affected by the order are:
- Baker
- Columbia
- Gadsden
- Hamilton
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Leon
- Liberty
- Madison
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Wakulla
The order will allow state agencies to coordinate more closely with the federal government to help with the cleanup and repair in those counties. State agencies are directed to implement Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.
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All state, regional and local governments are also asked to identify individuals who assist with the response and to put them at the disposal of the State Coordinating Officer.
The effects of any statute, rules, or orders will be suspended if they hinder or delay the recovery or response to the storms.
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