'Do not walk or drive into flood waters': Naples declares state of emergency for Idalia

Kendall Little, Naples Daily News
·2 min read

Naples city officials met today to discuss their plans to prepare for Tropical Storm Idalia, including declaring a local state of emergency.

The storm system is currently in the waters east of Cancún, Mexico, and is projected to move into the Gulf of Mexico, where it will strengthen into a hurricane.

Forecasters predict Idalia will make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane along the Gulf Coast of Florida, impacting the Panhandle.

Local state of emergency

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann will declare a state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. Monday, "as a precaution to ensure city staff have the tools necessary to quickly respond to any impacts from the storm."

This follows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' declaration of a state of emergency for 46 counties, including Collier and Lee.

"The city manager and mayor met this morning to discuss preparedness and potential declarations," city spokesperson Monique Barnhart said. "The city manager also met with city staff this morning to discuss potential impacts, preparedness actions, and communication plans. City staff have been preparing city facilities and equipment, topping off fuel, clearing storm drains, lowering lake levels, and securing loose items."

How to prepare

City officials urge residents to prepare an emergency kit filled with first aid supplies, necessary medications, water and food for 72 hours, and flashlights. Officials also suggest residents know where the closest shelters are, including pet shelters.

"We anticipate higher than normal high tides which will affect storm surge predictions," Barnhart said. "We urge all those in low lying areas that typically experience flooding during high tides, to please make necessary precautions; do not walk or drive into flood waters."

Grocery stores in Collier County still have hurricane supplies in stock as of Monday afternoon. An employee at Publix at Brooks Village has confirmed the store is "fully stocked and still receiving trucks."

"We urge residents to focus on staying connected with us by subscribing to our emails, follow us on social media, and visit our website," Barnhart said.

The city has created a special website for Tropical Storm Idalia: www.naplesgov.com/hurricane/page/tropical-storm-idalia-updates.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples declares local state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Idalia