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Tropical Storm has spawned tornadoes and caused localized caused flooding. Disaster officials are calling the storm a wake up call and as the Governor says Florida would be better prepared if not for politicians in Washington.

Andrea’s rain began falling Thursday across the Panhandle. The first named storm kicks off what’s expected to be a busy hurricane season. Emergency managers say Andrea is a wake up call.

“It’s a good reminder to citizens in Florida that basically anywhere in the state you can be impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane,” said State Emergency Director, Bryan Koon. “Now is a great time to prepare.”

Governor Rick Scott met with emergency response coordinators Thursday morning. “We talked with emergency management teams and they’re ready,” said Scott.

Florida National Guard troops were also put on standby early Thursday. “To monitor and standby, and prepare to escalate. Depends on the impact of storm,” said Koon.

The governor worries the federal sequester is cutting the time National Guardsmen have to train. That could create problems later. “One thing I still remain very concerned about is President Obama’s sequester efforts,” said Governor Scott. “They are forcing our National Guard, 50-percent of our National Guard to be furloughed part of their time.”

The Guard and governor say the state will do whatever is necessary to keep Floridians safe. “Take this as a precursor, get ready. Three days of food, three days of water,” said Scott.

As many as 20 predicted storms are expected this hurricane season.