Satellite image of Hurricane Ian. NOAA

Citing the “increased intensity of the storm and its current forecasted track and potential storm surge and rainfall,” Lee County executed a State of Local Emergency this morning.

“A State of Local Emergency helps municipalities and counties prepare for and respond to situations such as hurricanes,” a release issued by the county this morning states. “A SOLE helps with governmental procurement processes, helps the community receive funds for recovery, and enables the ability of government to make decisions in response to the emergency that can be subsequently ratified.

County staff is evaluating storm surge models and flood models at this time, the release states.

“As operational decisions are made, they will be shared with local media, social media and online. We continue to coordinate with our Emergency Operations Center partners as well as our state partners. Lee County Natural Resources and Department of Transportation staff are throughout the county this morning monitoring and adjusting in anticipation of heavy rainfall later this week.”

The public is invited to join county officials for a Facebook Live event at 3 p.m. today. Go to https://www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc

In addition to updates from the Lee Board of County Commissioners and county staff, the Facebook Live event will have updates from the School District of Lee County, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County Port Authority.

County operations and office hours today are normal. The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated.

Residents are asked to monitor local media and meteorologists’ reports and to check www.leegov.com for storm preparation information and specific Tropical Storm Ian updates. Follow Lee County Government at www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Source: Lee County Government