Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-209 on Tuesday, September 24, declaring a state of emergency in 61 Florida counties ahead of Helene making landfall. The state of Georgia has also declared a state of emergency.

Tropical storm Helene is expected to become a large, major hurricane later on Wednesday before striking Florida’s Gulf Coast on Thursday, according to The Weather Channel. From there, strong winds, flooding rain and some tornadoes will also spread into southeast parts of the state late this week.

Ahead of Helene’s landfall, Florida has been preparing resources and departments for its impact, including the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Pursuant to the Executive Order, FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner has authorized HSMV Emergency Order #24-05 which provides relief to commercial motor vehicles transporting emergency supplies, equipment or personnel for relief efforts. The emergency order is effective and expires October 7, 2024.

FDOT issued an emergency road use permit and agriculture designations. Within the permit, FDOT suspended size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies or personnel. The state also issued an emergency vehicle by-pass authorization through October 7.

As part of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s executive order declaring a state of emergency, the federal rules and regulations limiting hours that operators of commercial vehicles may drive are suspended to ensure uninterrupted supply of goods and services necessary to respond and will remain in effect for 14 days. The executive order also suspended size and weight restrictions for vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies or personnel.

NACS offers c-stores numerous resources for disaster and emergency preparedness. Check them out to help protect your stores and customers.