Florida governor declares state of emergency as Tropical Storm Ian nears

A satellite image shows Tropical Storm Ian over the central Caribbean on Saturday (NOAA via AP)

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 24 counties as Tropical Storm Ian gathers strength over the Caribbean and is expected to bring heavy rain and hurricane-force winds to the state next week.

Mr DeSantis issued the order on Friday encouraging residents and local governments to make preparations as the storm moves toward the state. He has also requested a federal pre-landfall emergency declaration.