Florida Gov. DeSantis Expands Storm Emergency

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (Source: Governor's Office)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday added three counties to a state of emergency after tornadoes and thunderstorms Friday ripped through Tallahassee and other areas of North Florida. DeSantis added Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties to the emergency declaration.

When initially issued Friday it included Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.

Read: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody Warns Of Scams Following Tornadoes, Severe Weather

The storm damaged buildings, knocked down trees, and caused power outages. As of mid-afternoon Monday, the Tallahassee municipal utility said 18,899 customers did not have power.

The city also was hit Monday by rain. Florida Power & Light, which provides electricity to large parts of the Panhandle, said Friday it had restored power to more than 50,000 customers.

It said damage was “widespread” north of Interstate 10 from Pensacola to Panama City.

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