DeSantis delivers weekend Dorian update

Posted: Aug 31, 2019 / 10:18 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 1, 2019 / 03:45 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has continued to urge Florida residents to remain vigilant and prepared as Hurricane Dorian approaches.

On Sunday, the governor received a full briefing on the storm, which was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 180 miles per hour.

He also spoke with President Donald Trump and FEMA officials regarding the storm’s projected path and potential impacts to Florida.

DeSantis said mandatory evacuations were issued for coastal areas of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Brevard counties, and St. Johns County will issue an evacuation order tomorrow. Osceola County, Glades County, Hendry County, Indian River County, Okeechobee County and Highlands County have all issued voluntary evacuations.

He also directed the suspension of tolls on Florida’s Turnpike Mainline, and other toll roads across the state.

The governor says residents along Florida’s East Coast should heed all evacuation orders and warnings from local officials, and monitor weather forecasts.

“As you’re looking at these forecasts, a bump in one direction or the other could have real significant ramifications in terms of impact,” DeSantis said Saturday.

“If it bumps just a little west, you’re looking at really significant impact.”

DeSantis advised those keeping up with the latest tracks to not let up in preparations.

“Don’t make any assumptions,” he said. “Remain vigilant and be prepared.”

DeSantis was questioned whether the state would be monitoring traffic abnormalities once more counties go under mandatory evacuation.

“At this point, we do not see any abnormal traffic on the roadways,” DeSantis said. “Those options are on the table, if needed.”