Tropical Storm Erika Heading for Central Florida

Tropical Storm Erika is currently on a trajectory towards south and central Florida, as Erika’s projected path or “cone of uncertainty” hovers over the state. Erika may strengthen into a category 1 hurricane over the next few days and is on schedule to make for a rainy start to the week here on the Space Coast. The storm is still too far out to say with any certainty if or where Erika may make landfall. If the storm becomes a hurricane and does make landfall in Florida, it will be the first hurricane in nearly 10 years to do so; the last hurricane to hit Florida was Wilma on October 25 at the end of a very active season in 2005.

With recent polls indicating most Floridians are not worried about a hurricane coming to the state, officials are urging residents to practice emergency preparedness. Governor Rick Scott officially declared a state of emergency for all counties early this morning. Even if Erika does not make landfall in Florida, it will bring a significant amount of rain and residents in low-lying areas may be at risk for flash flooding and storm surge. Other concerns to consider are power and water: the national weather service recommends keeping a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food, an emergency kit with medical information and basic first aid, and be sure to remember fuzzy family members in planning too! For more information on building an emergency kit and plan, click here or here.

For more information and updated news about Erika from NOAA, click here. For forecasts and trajectory information, click here.

If you are planning to visit the Space Coast and are in need of accommodations, give us a call at (321)-784-5046 or e-mail us at [email protected]!