Governor Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency for Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Ian

On Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for the entire state of Florida ahead of Tropical Storm Ian

The declaration will make important resources available as well as support and funding sources for emergency protective measures, according to state officials. The Florida National Guard will also be activated and on standby awaiting orders, the governor said. 

Governor DeSantis has also requested a federal pre-landfall Emergency Declaration for potential impacts from the storm. 

"This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane, and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations," Governor DeSantis said. "We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm."

RELATED: County by county: Tropical Storm Ian emergency information

Tropical Storm Ian has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane in the next few days, and Florida residents are urged to begin preparing emergency kits for them and their families as well as stocking food, water and medicine. 

Officials are continuing to track the storm as it continues to evolve. The following Florida counties are currently under the State of Emergency: 

LINK: For more information preparing for the storm, visit floridadisaster.org/planprepare

FloridaSevere WeatherHurricanesRon DeSantis