WPB local State of Emergency declared

West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio has declared a city-wide state of emergency.

The declaration has little effect on residents, but allows the city more flexibility to respond quickly to the storm.

Under normal operating conditions, the city is required to follow strict procedures regarding the purchase of items or the signing of contracts for services with vendors.

Under a declared state of emergency, the rules are relaxed to permit the city to quickly act in response to changing needs.

As of 11:00 a.m. this morning, the City of West Palm Beach was under a hurricane watch.