[Jed Eckert]

state of emergency for a tropical storm?? did they do it to get the associated federal funds??

I think the Governor is just being very cautious. It may still develop into a Cat 1 if it makes landfall. Rain and flooding are going to be a big problem even if it remains a TS.

The ground is pretty saturated in my area from the rain we've already had the past couple weeks.

I don't think the federal funds kick in unless it's declared a disaster area. However the state of emergency does let him activate the National Guard.

[Churchillspirit]

Makes sense to me. They know a big storm/hurricane is imminent. They have time to get resources in place while they still can.

Remember all those stranded buses in NO ?