DeSantis tells Floridians to review disaster plans as Tropical Storm Fred approaches

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) told residents on Wednesday to review their disaster plans as Tropical Storm Fred approaches the state.

“PTC #6 developed into Tropical Storm #Fred overnight. This is the sixth named storm of the season & could potentially impact Florida this weekend,” the governor tweeted.

“While it’s too soon to determine exact impacts, Floridians should review their disaster plans & follow @FLSERT for updates,” he added.

PTC #6 developed into Tropical Storm #Fred overnight. This is the sixth named storm of the season & could potentially impact Florida this weekend.

While it’s too soon to determine exact impacts, Floridians should review their disaster plans & follow @FLSERT for updates. pic.twitter.com/2jtimA0g9L

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 11, 2021

The Weather Channel reported Florida could start seeing rain and wind by late Friday from the tropical storm.

Tropical storm watches for Fred have been issued for Cuba, Haiti and the Bahamas, as the storm could hit 39 miles per hour winds. 

It is possible the storm doesn’t gain any more strength and even weakens after it hits Cuba, but it is not possible to determine the strength it will have on Friday night yet.

The National Hurricane Center said Thursday the Florida Keys and the southern Florida Peninsula will likely be issued a tropical storm watch by Thursday afternoon.

“Through Monday, 3 to 5 inches of rain is anticipated across the Keys and southern Florida Peninsula, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches. Heavy rainfall could lead to areal, urban, and small stream flooding, along with possible rapid river rises,” the statement reads.

Fred comes almost a month after Tropical Storm Elsa hit Florida, killing at least one person in the state.