INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Tropical Storm Emily was downgraded to a tropical depression Monday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center site.
Weather meteorologists sent out an alert that the storm had weakened about 5 p.m.
Governor Rick Scott issued a state of emergency Monday morning for 31 Florida counties in response to Emily when it had upgraded from Tropical Depression Six to Tropical Storm Emily, according to a governor’s office news release.
“While this storm developed quickly overnight and will swiftly move across our state, storms can always develop rapidly and that is why it’s so important to be prepared at the start of hurricane season,” Scott said in the release. “I declared a state of emergency to ensure every community has the resources they need, and that state, regional and local agencies can easily work together to keep people prepared during Tropical Storm Emily.”
The storm pushed showers and scattered thunderstorms with heavy rainfall throughout the county Monday, according to an Indian River County Emergency Services news release. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with local amounts up to around 4 inches were expected through the night.
Tropical Storm Emily is expected to pass through Florida’s east coast Monday.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
No evacuation orders were in effect, the governor’s release states. The Florida National Guard was on standby ready to assist with any storm-related impacts.
Those seeking shelter were able to visit The Source, a local Christian outreach ministry, at 1015 Commerce Ave., Vero Beach. The building acted as a severe weather shelter, the emergency services release states.
Registration ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the shelter opened at 7 p.m., the release states.
Those interested in the shelter should call 772-564-0202 and those interested in helpful preparation resources should visit FLGetAPlan.com.
Heavy rain and fog passed through Indian River County Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Commuters should use extreme caution while driving.
There was a temperature between 85 degrees and 72 degrees with 5 to 10 mph southwest winds throughout the day.
For the rest of the week, there’s a 20 to 60 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.