Tropical Storm Emily Hits Florida, Causes Widespread Damage Before Weakening Into A Tropical Depression
More than 18,000 homes and businesses were left without power after Tropical Storm Emily made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida just before noon on Monday. The storm, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico over the course of the weekend, had wind speeds that approached 45 mph (72 kph) — strong enough to cause some serious damage. The storm was only briefly classified as a tropical storm and has since weakened into a tropical depression, USA Today reports.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Emily first hit the coast at Anna Maria Island, which is located a few miles west of Bradenton. The landfall happened at around 11:10 a.m. EDT. Following the arrival of the storm, Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency for 31 counties scattered across southern and central Florida.
In a statement issued by his office, he reiterated that the storm will soon weaken into a tropical depression.
