Florida gears up for Tropical Storm Emily
MIAMI, United States (AFP) — The US state of Florida braced Monday for a tropical storm as authorities warned of heavy rainfall and possible flash floods.
The storm, named Emily, formed in the Gulf of Mexico overnight Sunday and was expected to pass quickly over the state for the Atlantic Ocean by Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Governor Rick Scott declared an emergency in 31 of the state’s western counties, while local weather authorities warned of gusty winds, lightning, and possible floods after rainfall of three to five inches (seven to 13 centimetres) in some areas.
The storm was advancing east at 9 mph (15 kph), with storm force winds extending outward up to 60 miles (95 km).
“Emily is expected to weaken to a tropical depression while it moves across the Florida peninsula later today and tonight,” the NHC said.
