Idalia Tuesday Updates: Storm reaches Category 2 status; local tropical storm warning active
Idalia has intensified into a Category 2 hurricane, and tropical storm warnings are in effect in both Volusia and Flagler counties.
“Showers and squalls associated with outer rain bands from Idalia should reach central Florida on Tuesday, with conditions further deteriorating Tuesday night and Wednesday as Idalia accelerates north-northeastward across the eastern Gulf of Mexico,” according to the National Weather Service.
Check back for Flagler and Volusia County updates on the storm, including closures, community resources and weather conditions.
Ponce Inlet has hotline for residents
The Town of Ponce Inlet has set up a citizen's hotline for Hurricane Idalia-related questions. The number to call is 1-800-516-0405. The hotline will be active Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Daytona State College shutting down Wednesday
Daytona State College is canceling all classes and activities on all campuses for Wednesday, Aug. 30. All academic assignments, including all classes with online components, are suspended for Wednesday.
The college plans to reopen Thursday morning for normal operations and will provide an update Wednesday.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Power outage advice
Residents who lose power at their home or business should contact their power company for updates on power restoration, Volusia County government officials advise.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Important update for SNAP recipients
In response to Hurricane Idalia, the Department of Children and Families will release September's SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits ahead of schedule for eligible households scheduled to receive benefits from Sept. 1-14 for those in state-declared emergency areas, including Volusia County.
The benefits will be automatically added to recipients' EBT cards, with no application required. The funds are scheduled to be available in recipients' accounts starting today.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Marine Science Center opening Wednesday
The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet and Lyonia Environmental Center in Ponce Inlet will open at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Daytona Beach airport remains open
The Daytona Beach International Airport continues to operate under normal conditions and hours at this time, and there are currently no cancellations for today's or tomorrow's flights. Travelers should continue to check with their airline for any updates to their upcoming flights.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Volusia County closing emergency storm shelters
Due to a limited number of people seeking shelter as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida, Volusia County has closed the three designated emergency shelters. Officials are coordinating efforts to provide sheltering alternatives to accommodate those who chose to seek refuge.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Citizen hotline available for Daytona residents' questions
Daytona Beach has set up a Citizen Hotline for residents' Hurricane Idalia questions that will be active beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Aug. 29. It will be available until further notice. The number to call is (386) 671-5555.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Daytona Beach under state of emergency
Today Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry signed a declaration for a local state of emergency for the city of Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach City Hall, community centers, facilities and parks will be closed Wednesday due to Hurricane Idalia.
— Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
Deltona, Orange City release closure plans
According to a City of Deltona news release, City Hall will be closed Wednesday morning and reopen at noon. Waste Pro also will run as normal on Wednesday.
According to an Orange City news release, administrative offices will be closed Wednesday and reopen Thursday.
― Katie Kustura
Idalia becomes a Category 2 storm
Idalia is now a Category 2 hurricane, according to the 5 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.
Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected along portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Volusia and Flagler counties remain under a Tropical Storm warning that extends from Sebastian Inlet Florida to South Santee River South Carolina. The brunt of the storm’s impact in Volusia and Flagler is expected to be felt on Wednesday.
At 5 p.m., the center of Hurricane Idalia was located near latitude 26.1 North, longitude 84.8 West. Idalia is moving toward the north near 16 mph. A northward to north-northeastward motion is expected through tonight, with Idalia's center forecast to reach the Big Bend coast of Florida on Wednesday morning.
After landfall, the center of Idalia is forecast to turn toward the northeast and east, moving near or along the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina late Wednesday and Thursday.
Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds have increased to near 100 mph with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast, and Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane tonight before it reaches the Big Bend coast of Florida.
Idalia is likely to still be a hurricane while moving across southern Georgia, and possibly when it reaches the coast of Georgia or southern South Carolina on Wednesday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
The minimum central pressure based on reconnaissance data is 972 mb. ― Jim Abbott
Volusia County offices, parks will close part of Wednesday
Volusia County government offices won't open until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a county government news release. The Emergency Operations Center will stay open.
All Volusia County library branches will close at 5 p.m. today and reopen at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. People who lose power can go to a library to keep cool.
The Volusia County Council is still expected to have a special meeting at 4 p.m. Wednesday to talk about eliminating the county's communications services tax collection in unincorporated Volusia County.
Smyrna Dunes Park and Lighthouse Point Park will close from sunrise to 1 p.m. Wednesday. County officials will keep coastal park restrooms and showers closed until the facilities have been inspected for damage.
Meanwhile, garbage and recycling schedules in unincorporated Volusia County won't change. People who live inside city limits should contact their local government for collection information. The Tomoka Landfill and all transfer stations will keep regular hours. ― Sheldon Gardner
A 'spaghetti model' shows Idalia could turn back to Florida
Tropical storm force winds are expected to start hitting Volusia and Flagler counties Wednesday morning, said Robert Haley, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Fortunately, there’s a less than a 5% chance of hurricane-force winds in these parts.
Although a "spaghetti model" is showing the potential for the storm to turn around once it has entered the Atlantic Ocean and return to strike Florida’s east coast, it’s too early for such models to have credibility, Haley said.
“That’s very far out (in terms of time) and there’s very little confidence in a forecast after about four or five days,” Haley said. "Some tracks are showing the system doing what’s called retrograding, turning around, but that’s very, very uncommon.”
Many if not more models show it going more northward, so there’s a lot of uncertainty in the long-term.
"We’re asking people to focus on impacts over the next 24 hours," he continued. "Protection of life and property in the next 24 hours is the most important thing right now.”
Satellite images indicate that Idalia continues to strengthen, and maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is expected before landfall, and Idalia is forecast to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Gulf Coast of Florida Wednesday morning.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles.
On the Gulf Coast, the combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, according to Tuesday's 2 p.m. update. The water could rise as high as 10-15 feet from the Aucilla River to Yankeetown, near Cedar Key, according to the Hurricane Center. ― Jim Abbott
Flagler County orders evacuations for some residents
Flagler County has issued an evacuation order for residents in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and trailers, Jonathan Lord, the county’s emergency management director, said during a press conference.
Flagler County in partnership with Flagler County Schools and the Department of Health will open at 5 p.m. today a shelter at Rymfire Elementary School at 1425 Rymfire Drive in Palm Coast.
Residents are encouraged to bring a five-day supply of medications, medical supplies and equipment; chargers and batteries for electronics, headphones for music devices; snacks and “comfort foods” and important documents, including identification and medical history.
For residents who need transportation assistance to reach the shelter, call 386-313-4240.
Lord said Flagler County residents should be prepared for sustained winds upward of 57 mph and gusts up to 73 mph. He said rainfall could be up to 3 inches in areas. There is a possibility of tornados. There is also possible minor coastal flooding “somewhat” linked to the lunar high tide. Wednesday morning’s tide may be one to three feet above normal around 8 a.m. on the coast and 1 p.m. on the Intracoastal Waterway
County officials said residents who plan to use the shelter should not arrive before 5 p.m. and should bring their own bedding. Single or twin-size inflatable mattresses are the best option because of space limitations.
Weapons, illegal narcotics and alcohol are not allowed in the shelter.
The county issued the following guidance to residents with pets:
Animals must be crated
Animals must have current vaccination records and supplies, including medications
“Pets” are dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and turtles
Four-pet maximum
No snakes, reptiles, or farm animals and livestock
No drop-offs
For residents with special medical needs, the county advised:
Special medical needs residents are those who require daily assistance with medical conditions that prevent or hinder their ability to care for themselves, as well as those who require electricity or oxygen. Those who require electricity are welcome in the shelter.
A family member or caregiver should stay at the shelter with the individual.
Special needs shelters provide only limited medical care.
For updates go to flaglercounty.gov/emergency. ― Frank Fernandez and Sheldon Gardner
Flagler County offices to close, cities release plans
All Flagler County government offices, including Flagler County Public Library branches and Parks and Recreational facilities, will be closed on Wednesday and are expected to reopen on Thursday, according to a county news release.
The supervisor of elections and property appraiser's offices will be closed on Wednesday and will reopen on Thursday. Tax collector offices will close at 4:30 p.m. today, and the Bunnell late window will close at 5 p.m. Tax collector offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Here are the plans for city government offices:
Flagler Beach officials plan to keep offices open.
Bunnell will close offices on Wednesday and reopen them on Thursday. Trash pickup will also be suspended on Wednesday.
Palm Coast will close municipal offices, trails and other facilities as of 6 p.m. today and reopen them on Thursday. The city will conduct safety assessments on parks and trails before reopening them. Trash pickup will also be suspended on Wednesday.
― Sheldon Gardner
Daytona Beach Shores not 'panicking' about Idalia
Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller decided to walk the beach on Tuesday morning one last time before the impending arrival of Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday.
"It's beautiful," she said, adding that the area residents she spoke with didn't seem overly concerned.
"Right now, I don't see anyone panicking," said Miller.
Daytona Beach Shores was particularly hard hit by the back-to-back tropical storms Ian and Nicole last year. The storms, which hit just 45 days apart in September and October 2022, severely eroded the beach, washing away seawalls and badly damaging oceanfront condominium complexes and hotels.
Of the two dozen condos and hotels that were forced to close following Tropical Storm Nicole, two remained shuttered as of Tuesday: the 106-room Lexington Inn & Suites (also known as the Daytona Beach Shores Hotel and Rushhh Daytona Beach) at 2323 S. Atlantic Ave., and the 25-room Beach Quarters Resort at 3711 S. Atlantic Ave.
Miller said the Lexington Inn has gone into bankruptcy whereas the Beach Quarters is closed for renovations and repairs.
Tuesday morning's forecasts show Hurricane Idalia's projected path veering well north of the Volusia-Flagler area, but Miller said people in her city are taking the necessary precautions nevertheless.
"I would normally not be as concerned by Hurricane Idalia," said Miller, "but the after-effects of Nicole and Ian have put us in a compromised position."
"We haven't declared a full emergency, but we've upped the number of our public safety staff who will be on duty all night long and we'll have public works crews on call ready to respond if needed."
― Clayton Park
Ahead of Idalia, cars line up for gas in Volusia
Motorists could be seen lining up at the members-only BJ's Wholesale Club gas station in Port Orange on Tuesday morning ahead of Hurricane Idalia's impending arrival on Wednesday.
At times, the line of cars stretched all the way to the construction site of the Miller's Ale House restaurant on the other side of the parking lot.
The BJ's gas station had some of the cheapest prices for fuel in Volusia County, with its $3.40 a gallon price for regular gasoline on Tuesday beat by only the $3.38 a gallon charged at Buc-ee's and the members-only Sam's Club gas stations in Daytona Beach, according to GasBuddy.com.
The good news for motorists worried about the hurricane is that the average price of gasoline in Florida has fallen 15 cents in the past 10 days, according to AAA Auto Club.
On Tuesday morning, the average price for regular in the Daytona Beach metro area, which includes all of Volusia and Flagler counties, held steady at $3.70 a gallon, unchanged from Monday and down 10 cents from a week ago, according to AAA. ― Clayton Park
Law seeks to reduce flooded vehicles: Volusia County adopts its own 'Stupid Motorist' rules
Volusia libraries to close at 5 p.m. today
Volusia County will close all 14 branches of the Volusia County Public Library system at 5 p.m. today, according to a news release. County officials plan to announce Wednesday's hours later today. ― Sheldon Gardner
Gov. Ron DeSantis allows for emergency prescription refills
Because of Gov. Ron DeSantis' emergency declaration, Volusia County residents can get a 30-day refill of their prescription medications regardless of how recently they last filled them, according to a Volusia County news release. County officials said that people should keep a list of their prescription medications, dosages and any other special instructions with their medications. ― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County to close schools on Wednesday
Volusia County Schools will suspend all district activities Tuesday at 8 p.m. and close all schools and district offices Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Idalia. This includes all school activities, events and programs.
At the moment, the district expects schools to be back in session on Thursday, but the district will continue to monitor conditions and provide an update mid-day on Wednesday.
The district will update the Volusia County Schools website and social media channels with updates as they become available. ― Mary Ellen Ritter
Volusia County could see near tropical-storm-force wind gusts
Volusia County officials expect county residents to see wind gusts near tropical storm force on Wednesday, isolated power outages, possible tornadoes and tides 1-2 feet higher than normal at high tide in part because of the full moon, according to a county government news release. Rainfall totals are expected to be 1-3 inches, with isolated pockets of rain reaching 4-5 inches. Storm conditions could bring flooding and travel delays. ― Sheldon Gardner
Judge suspends court operations across 7th Circuit
Chief Judge Leah Case has suspended court operations starting today at 3 p.m. throughout the 7th Judicial Circuit, which covers Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties, according to a press release.
Volusia and Flagler County courthouses will remain closed on Wednesday and reopen on Thursday.
Putnam and St. Johns County courthouses will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday and will reopen on Friday, September 1. ― Frank Fernandez
Palm Coast to close parks, urges people to finish prep soon
Palm Coast will close all city parks, trails, and facilities at 6 p.m. today, and they will remain closed on Wednesday, according to the city.
Parks and trails will remain closed until later in the week after the city has completed safety checks.
The city urged residents to complete storm preparations before Hurricane Idalia’s impacts arrive.
The city stated that before the end of the day residents should have:
Hurricane supplies, including generators, in place and ready.
Food, fuel, water, medication, pet supplies, critical papers, and family comfort supplies.
Porches and patios cleared of items that can become airborne or cause a hazard.
Garbage collection is canceled for Wednesday due to expected high winds No debris should be left outside after 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The city encouraged residents to bring their garbage cans inside the garage or secure them. Garbage collection will resume on Thursday.
For more garbage collection information, people can go to PalmCoast.gov/customer-service/garbage. ― Frank Fernandez
Will bridges close during the storm?
Bridges over the Halifax River will close if sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph or a land evacuation is ordered, according to Volusia County government. That hasn't happened. Volusia County has only recommended voluntary evacuations of vulnerable areas, which went into effect at 10 a.m. today. If bridges close, officials will reopen them once the Florida Department of Transportation determines they are safe. ― Sheldon Gardner
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum closes
The Ponce Inlet Historical Museum will be closed today and Wednesday, according to the town government.
― Sheldon Gardner
Daytona Beach activates Emergency Operations Center
As Hurricane Idalia makes its way toward Florida's west coast, Daytona Beach has activated its Emergency Operations Center. The EOC will be partially activated today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City services remain fully operational today. Updates on facility operations will be relayed this afternoon.
On Monday, the city of Daytona Beach distributed 4,630 sandbags to its residents and business owners. Sandbag operations continue from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave.
Residents are asked to bring their own shovels. For persons with physical impairments, staff will be on hand to assist with filling and loading sandbags into vehicles. There is a limit of 10 bags per vehicle.
Trash services will operate as usual today. For now, yard waste pickups remain unchanged for Wednesday. ― Eileen Zaffiro-Kean
SunRail, Volusia bus service to be suspended for storm
The Florida Department of Transportation will suspend SunRail service starting today, according to a news release from the department. Crews will prepare the railway to make it safe before the storm and before resuming operations. For information, people can go to sunrail.com.
Volusia County will temporarily suspend services through Votran, the county's public transportation, starting at 5 p.m. today, according to a county news release. The closure will affect all routes.
People should also make alternative arrangements for travel on Wednesday. The county will make an announcement when it's safe for bus service to start again.
Storm updates are available at volusia.org/pin or by calling the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County beach driving will be suspended starting today, parks to close
Volusia County beaches will close to vehicular traffic this afternoon.
"These will be rolling closures," according to a county government news release. "As toll booths are removed, entry will be prohibited in those locations. The beach access ramps will remain closed throughout Wednesday. County staff will work quickly to assess damage before reopening the beaches."
Volusia County parks will close by the end of the day.
The Volusia Beaches app provides real-time updates. ― Sheldon Gardner
Beach news: Volusia County Council decides to ban modified 'squat' trucks on beaches, delays tent rule
Flagler County launches call center
Flagler County Emergency Management opened its Call Center today.
“A team of staff began manning the phone lines at 8 a.m. and they will answer calls 24/7 for the duration of Hurricane Idalia’s impact on Flagler County,” Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said in a prepared statement.
The Call Center number is 386-313-4200, which is the regular line to the Emergency Operations Center.
Flagler County could require evacuations today for people in mobile homes and RVs, according to a county government news release.
Emergency updates will be posted at facebook.com/FlaglerEOC and facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment.
― Sheldon Gardner
College closings announced
Keiser University Daytona Beach will have classes today but close on Wednesday.
Bethune-Cookman University announced it will close all of its offices by noon today. The school advised all students planning to evacuate the campus should do so by noon today. The school will switch to online classes from Wednesday through Friday.
Daytona State College announced it is planning to hold classes today, with any announcements about Wednesday and beyond yet to come.
The University of Central Florida, which has a branch campus at Daytona State College, has not announced a closure in Daytona Beach.
As of 5:15 p.m. Monday, Stetson University announced it expects the DeLand campus to remain open to students and employees. ― Mark Harper
Flagler schools to close on Wednesday
Flagler Schools Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore has closed all schools on Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Idalia. Schools may be closed for additional days depending on the storm's impact, according to a release.
In addition, all outdoor after-school activities planned for Tuesday have been canceled. But indoor activities, including extended-day programs, will still take place. ― News-Journal staff
Where do I find sandbags in Volusia, Flagler?
Free sandbag sites are open across Volusia and Flagler counties.
Flagler County
Flagler Beach is coordinating with Flagler Strong to have sand, scoopers and sandbags available today from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., while supplies last, in the parking lot across from Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church at Flagler Beach, FL; 915 North Central Avenue.
The sandbags are self-serve and for residents of Flagler Beach.
“We're requesting that you be respectful of others and only take the number of bags you actually need,” the city stated in a Facebook post.
Palm Coast will have a sandbag operation until 3:30 p.m. today at the Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5455 Belle Terre Parkway.
Other sandbag operations in Flagler County are planned at:
The Hidden Trails Community Center at 6108 Mahogany Boulevard, Bunnell (Daytona North) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
Bay Drive Park, 30 Bay Drive, Palm Coast (The Hammock) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
For information about emergency preparedness, residents can go to flaglercounty.gov/emergency or call 386-313-4200 during normal business hours, the release stated.
Volusia County
Volusia County will operate self-service sandbag stations from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today at the Road and Bridge facility at 2560 W. State Road 44 in DeLand and the Road and Bridge facility at 200 State Road 415 in Osteen.
Residents can also pick up pre-filled sandbags at the Volusia County Branch Jail at 1300 Red John Road in Daytona Beach from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. There is a limit of five bags per vehicle.
Daytona Beach
The City of Daytona Beach will offer sandbags from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Bethune Point Park at 11 Bellevue Ave. while supplies last. Residents are asked to bring a shovel to fill sandbags. There is no charge for sandbags, and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle.
DeBary
Sandbags are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at 12 Colomba Road, weather permiting. Residents should bring a shovel and identification. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence.
DeLand
The City of DeLand will offer sand and bags to residents from 8 a.m. to noon today in the parking lot at 601 S. Woodland Blvd. south of Melching Field near the corner of East Hubbard Avenue and South Woodland Boulevard.
Residents should bring their own shovels and proof of residency, according to a news release. There is a limit of 10 bags per household.
Deltona
Sandbags are available today until 6 p.m. at Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd. and 2931 Day Road.
Deltona has opened its Citizen Information Center, which will remain open until further notice. Residents can call 386-878-8510 for information about the storm, sandbags, shelters, disaster preparation and more.
Edgewater
The city has two locations with sand piles, according to a government Facebook post.
• Fire Station 57 at 2628 Hibiscus Drive
• Mango Tree Lake at 901 Mango Tree Drive
The Mango Tree Lake location will be staffed for free sandbag distribution from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. today. 10 bags will be available per household with proof of Edgewater residency, while supplies last.
Both locations will be open 24 hours a day, and residents should bring their own shovels. Outside of staffed hours at the Mango Tree Lake location, people should also bring their own bags. The Fire Station 57 location won't be staffed.
People can buy bags at local home supply centers, but double-bagged, heavy-duty garbage bags can also be used.
Holly Hill
Holly Hill residents will be able to self-fill sandbags from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Holly Hill Public Works at 424 Tenth St., according to the county government. Residents should bring a shovel and identification showing a Holly Hill address. Empty bags will be provided. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence.
Assistance will be available for those who need help with sandbags.
New Smyrna Beach
Sand and fillable bags are available to New Smyrna Beach residents at the Sports Complex at 2335 Sunset Dr.
City staff will provide a roll of 15 bags with proof of residency from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Sand piles will remain available to residents after hours through Wednesday. Residents must bring their own shovel.
Orange City
Orange City residents may pick up sandbags now until 5:30 p.m. today at the Waggin’ Trail Dog Park at 1201 S. Leavitt Ave. Residents should bring a shovel and identification and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household.
Ormond Beach
A self-serve sand pile and fillable sandbags are available at the Nova Community Center at 440 N. Nova Road, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through Saturday. Ormond Beach residents can show their ID to receive up to 10 fillable bags from the Nova Recreation Center office during the same hours. Residents should bring a shovel and fill and load the bags into their vehicles.
Ponce Inlet
The Town of Ponce Inlet is providing sand and sandbags from now until 6 p.m. today at the Ponce Inlet Community Center at 4670 S. Peninsula Drive. Residents should bring a shovel and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident while supplies last, and identification is required. Hurricane passes will also be available.
Port Orange
The City of Port Orange will operate a self-service sandbag site for residents from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today in the City Center Complex between Dunlawton Avenue and Herbert Street on the northwest side of City Hall.at 4655 City Center Circle. Hours could change based on the weather. Residents must bring identification and a shovel. Staff will provide bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per person.
South Daytona
Sandbags are available until to 6 p.m. today at the Piggotte Community Center at 504 Big Tree. Residents should bring proof of residency and their own shovel. ― Sheldon Gardner, Katie Kustura and Frank Fernandez
Volusia County Citizens Center phone line is open
Volusia County government’s Citizens Information Center is open for calls 24 hours a day 866-345-0345 until further notice. The center will provide storm updates and information about community resources, disaster preparation and sandbags. People can also get Volusia storm updates at volusia.org/pin. ― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County shelters will open at 10 a.m. today
Volusia County will open three shelters amid voluntary evacuations in vulnerable areas.
The county government issued a voluntary evacuation recommendation that will start at 10 a.m. today for vulnerable areas. The county government and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County will open the following shelters at 10 a.m.
Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (general population and pets).
Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (people who lack permanent housing).
Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach (special needs shelter).
Volusia County will provide transportation to the fairgrounds shelter with Votran buses starting at noon today. People who need transportation should go to a Votran bus stop or transfer station before 3:30 p.m. All buses have to be off the roads by 5 p.m. today.
The county is asking people who have special transportation needs to call Votran Gold at 386-761-7700. There is no charge for bus service today. For details on bus stop and transfer station locations go to votran.org.
Also, the Bridge homeless shelter at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia at 421 S. Palmetto Ave. in DeLand will open at 7 a.m. Wednesday. Clients can stay inside throughout the day and can stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning, according to the county.
"People who live in RVs, mobile homes or low-lying areas may wish to find accommodations with friends or family members. People in these high-risk areas may use public shelters as a site of last resort," according to a county news release.
The county is also encouraging beachfront residents to seek safe shelter if they saw major coastal erosion during Hurricane Ian or Nicole and haven't finished construction on protective measures.
All county government shelters will accept pets, but people must bring pet supplies, including a leash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water and food.
Special needs shelters are not for patients in isolation or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, a ventilator or other complex care. People with such conditions should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient.
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, people should only take essential items and avoid bringing valuables. Shelters aren't responsible for lost or stolen items.
Items to bring, according to the county:
Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food and water or other non-alcoholic beverages
Bedding
Ear plugs
Extra clothing
Medications and medical supplies
Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs oxygen shelter
Toiletry items
Flashlight and batteries
Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards
Storm information is available at volusia.org/pin. ― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County schools are open today
Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said schools are open today and that the school district is monitoring the storm.
In a prepared statement on Monday evening, Balgobin said, "At this time, there is school tomorrow, Tuesday, August 29th. The greatest impact of the storm is still expected to be felt on Wednesday along the northwest Gulf Coast of Florida, while Volusia County will experience tropical storm-level winds on Wednesday morning. As such, we will continue to monitor closely."
She added that the county government will provide shelters and won't close any district schools for shelter. At this time, the county will be providing shelters in lieu of the district closing any schools for shelter.
People can get storm updates from the school district at vcsedu.org/community/storm-resource-center. ― Sheldon Gardner
Hurricane Idalia expected to make landfall as Category 3 storm
The storm is moving faster through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida’s Gulf Coast where it is expected to make landfall Wednesday as a major Category 3 storm.
In its 5 a.m. Tuesday advisory, the National Hurricane Center also warned that the storm could produce storm surge as high as 8-12 feet in some parts of Florida’s Big Bend as well as generate dangerous destructive winds across a broad portion of North Florida as it crosses the state to exit into the Atlantic Ocean somewhere near Jacksonville.
Check here for updates on the path and intensity of Hurricane Idalia as it approaches Florida's coast.
A tropical storm warning extends along the Florida east coast and the southeastern Georgia coast from Sebastian Inlet northward to Altamaha Sound. The warning means that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the area within 36 hours.
Also, Volusia and Flagler counties were both added midday Monday to the state of emergency executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis, while President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida.
In both Volusia and Flagler, the risk of beach erosion is a major concern associated with the storm on shorelines already damaged by the impact of back-to-back tropical storms Ian and Nicole this past fall.
In addition to the potential for battering winds from the eastern side of Hurricane Idalia, that concern is heightened by additional factors that include the influence on tides being exerted by Hurricane Franklin far out in the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of a full moon on Wednesday, said Megan Tollefsen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
“There are multiple factors pulling together to increase the coastal hazard in Volusia County,” she said. “Hurricane Franklin is sending a pretty large swell toward the coastal area. On top of that, you have elevated high tide levels due to full moon on Aug. 30. Those two factors alone will increase the rip current threat and beach erosion threat on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Then, with Idalia approaching the area, you have those winds coming in from south as it comes across (the peninsula). That will add even more fuel to the fire, for lack of a better term, as far as the erosion threat goes for Volusia County. I cannot recall three things like this coming together to produce these types of unfavorable marine conditions.”
– Jim Abbott
Where is Hurricane Idalia now?
At 5 a.m. Tuesday, the center of Hurricane Idalia was located near latitude 23.1 North, longitude 85.0 West, about 370 miles south-southwest of Tampa. Idalia has picked up speed and is moving toward the north at nearly 14 mph.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 981 mb.
A northward motion is expected Tuesday, followed by a faster north-northeast motion later Tuesday and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is expected to move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico today, reach the Gulf coast of Florida within the Hurricane Warning area on Wednesday.
Idalia is forecast to move close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph with higher gusts. Rapid intensification is likely through landfall, and Idalia is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 160 miles. – Jim Abbott
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hurricane Idalia Tuesday Updates: Volusia, Flagler prepare for hurricane
