Eye on the Tropics

‘Stay vigilant': Gov. DeSantis urges Floridians to keep close eye on Hurricane Isaias

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to keep a close eye on Hurricane Isaias as it tracks toward Florida’s coast.

From the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, DeSantis said now is the time to get your disaster supply kits ready even if most of the state is spared from the worst of this storm.

LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Isaías battles wind shear, 25-foot seas recorded near southern Bahamas; hurricane watch for Brevard coast

“Stay vigilant,” he said.

He said the track of the storm is ever-changing, so it is important to prepare in case it moves closer to the coast.

“We are looking at an active storm system, so prepare now,” he said.

In the latest bulletin from the National Hurricane Center, the track shifted a bit more west. Hurricane Isaías’ center is now projected to stay over water about 40 miles off Florida’s central east coast.

Officials said the State Division of Emergency Management has personal protective equipment supplies stockpiled including 20 million masks, 20,000 thermometers, meals and water ready to be distributed as well as 50 generators on hand.

They said shelters are not expected to be opened, but can be if needed.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis hosting news conference as Hurricane Isaias approaches Florida coast

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Ron DeSantis is hosting a news conference as Hurricane Isaias tracks toward Florida's coast. Read: at.wftv.com/2Pdu3UQ

Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Friday, July 31, 2020
Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.