Florida Gov. Rick Scott is declaring a state of emergency in 31 counties because of Tropical Storm Emily.
Scott issued the declaration on Monday morning for Emily, which made a late-morning landfall along the coast and is expected to cross the Florida peninsula in coming hours.
Florida has a total of 67 counties. The emergency declaration covers all counties in the central and southern regions of the state.
The emergency declaration makes it easier for state and local officials to respond to the storm. It also triggers certain laws dealing with price-gouging and allows local authorities to use certain state buildings as shelters. The declaration also calls for the activation of the Florida National Guard to help if needed.