LaBELLE  -- Hendry County schools will be closed Monday, Nov. 9, due to the approach of Tropical Storm Eta.

The tropical storm is expected to have winds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph. These conditions could make it dangerous for school buses to be on the roads.

The school district will continue to follow the forecasts. No decisions have been made past Monday.

Around the lake, Glades, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties have also canceled school for Monday, Nov. 9.

On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Saturday declaring a State of Emergency for eight counties in Florida.

"Because of the foregoing conditions, I in abundance of caution declare that a state of emergency exists in the following counties: Broward, Collier, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monore, and Palm Beach Counites," the order states.

The Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties will be closed Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 due to the tropical weather concerns.

Offices are expected to reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe to reopen and additional closure notices will be announced. 

Hendry County Officials have declared a local State of Emergency effective beginning at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in preparation for the potential threat of Tropical Storm Eta.

This declaration will allow the county access to essential resources, such as funding reimbursements and emergency procurement of critical supplies, as response to this tropical storm event may require.

Hendry County Emergency Management (EM) Officials are urging residents to prepare for the possibility of tropical storm conditions  through Monday night. 

Preparations should include ensuring yard debris is cleared and loose items are secured. Please ensure that all garbage cans and lids are removed from the road right-of-way so as not to block drainage pipes or become flying debris.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Hendry County related emergency alerts by texting “HENDRYFLA” to 888777.

Hendry County residents with questions or concerns are asked to call Emergency Management at 863-674-5400.