Following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ authorization, the Florida National Guard has activated approximately 570 Guardsmen in support of Hurricane Nicole response efforts.

These forces are actively pre-staging throughout the state but will remain flexible to re-position where needed to ensure a quick response.

“Our forces are prepared to conduct a variety of missions to include bridge entry control points, traffic control points, search and rescue, security, and installation of Tiger Dam systems,” the Florida National Guard announced.

In the meantime, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), announced on Wednesday it will lock down state drawbridges immediately in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties.

The bridges will be closed to marine navigation once lockdowns are complete and will remain closed for the duration of severe weather and until the drawbridges and waterways can be assessed for damages. Bridges will remain open to vehicular traffic.