Time to put up shutters? There's no mandate, so make your own decision, most officials say

Thomas Weber, Treasure Coast Newspapers
·2 min read

As residents stock up on water and peanut butter, top off the gas in their cars and make a run to the liquor store in anticipation of stormy conditions from Hurricane Ian, many are asking one more question: Should I put up my hurricane shutters?

The answer from most emergency managers across the Treasure Coast is consistent: Not yet.

Hurricane Ian's potential path shifted east Tuesday, which means a slightly higher chance of tropical storm-force winds on the Treasure Coast. Emergency management officials are still encouraging caution and vigilance.

Certain measures, such as installing hurricane shutters, aren't necessary for the area at this point, officials say.

By Tuesday morning, Ian's projected path shifted slightly east, according to the National Weather Service, putting the Treasure Coast under a tropical storm warning.

Hurricane Ian: What the Treasure Coast needs to know Tuesday as storm approaches Florida

Storm path shifts: Hurricane Ian continues growing stronger. Path toward Florida shifts slightly east

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The area could see up to 4-6 inches rain Wednesday and Thursday, as well as 50%-70% chance of tropical storm-force winds, or winds of 39-73 mph beginning early Wednesday.

There also could be at least a 40% chance of flash flooding over the next three days, according to the weather service.

Forecast track for Hurricane Ian as of 11 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecast track for Hurricane Ian as of 11 a.m. Tuesday.

At this point, installing hurricane shutters is optional, Indian River County County spokesperson Kathy Copeland said. But if residents choose to install shutters, they should do it prior to Wednesday afternoon, when the worst of the storm is in the area.

St. Lucie County Public Safety Director Rangel Guerrero echoed the same sentiment: Whether or not to put up hurricane shutters at this point, he said, is a matter of  "personal preference."

Only Martin County Emergency Management Director Sally Waite said she did not recommend residents put up their shutters for Hurricane Ian.

Staff writers Olivia McKelvey and Lina Ruiz contributed to this report.

Thomas Weber is TCPalm's Indian River County government watchdog reporter. You can reach him at thomas.weber@tcpalm.com or 813-545-9113. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Should you put up window shutters as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida?