Ike on Deck, Florida Gov. Declares Statewide Emergency

In what has developed into a proactive preparedness pattern, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced another in a series of emergency declarations in the face of oncoming hurricanes and tropical storms — this time in anticipation of Hurricane Ike.

As Ike reached hurricane status on Sept. 3, it also became the fourth storm in as many weeks predicted to affect Florida.

Crist said he is concerned rainfall forecasts could mean coastal areas already drenched by Tropical Storm Fay could be inundated again.

“Ike is likely to produce sustained hurricane force winds exceeding 115 mph, flash flooding, rip currents, storm surge and tornadic activity,” Crist said. “Rough surf and large waves produced by Hurricane Ike could cause moderate to major coastal flooding and beach erosion.”

Crist’s executive order directs Craig Fugate, director of the state emergency management agency, to immediately activate a comprehensive emergency management plan.

The executive order, released before noon on Sept. 5, also activates the Florida National Guard and places all other pertinent state agencies on alert prior to Hurricane Ike making the predicted landfall.

Crist said he issued the statewide emergency declaration based on National Hurricane Center projections.

Source: Office of the Governor of Florida