City of Fort Pierce, FL

10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 13:12

Hurricane Milton Storm Advisory 3

Hurricane Milton Storm Advisory 3
City of Fort Pierce
Monday, October 7, 2024 @ 2:45 PM Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com

NEW INFORMATION

The City of Fort Pierce is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and making preparations for potential impacts. Hurricane Milton has weakened slightly and is now a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph. The City of Fort Pierce is under a tropical storm warning as of 11 AM from the National Hurricane Center advisory. Tropical storm-force winds could begin arriving as early as Wednesday afternoon under the current forecast.

Potential Impacts for Fort Pierce:

  • Primary hazards: Heavy rain and strong winds in fast-moving squalls, expected primarily Wednesday into Thursday.
  • Rainfall: 4-6 inches, increasing the risk of localized flooding, particularly in areas with above-average rainfall.
  • Winds: Sustained winds of around 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 55 mph. Hurricane-force gusts are also possible.

Sand Distribution:

Free, self-serve sand stations are available for residents at the following locations:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.)
  • Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.)
  • Little Jim Bait & Tackle (601 N. Causeway)
  • Maravilla Park (2622 Oleander Ave)
  • Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island)

Residents are asked to bring their own bags and shovels. Parks are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Solid Waste Collection:

The Solid Waste Division will operate on its regular schedule. Please refrain from cutting down vegetation or starting major projects until the storm passes. Do not place additional debris at the curb, as it may block stormwater systems.

Streets and Drainage:

The Streets and Drainage Division is working to clear stormwater systems to ensure they are operating at full capacity.

Communication:

The City of Fort Pierce will keep residents informed through the city's website, social media platforms, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications via St. Lucie County's Alert St. Lucie program: www.stlucieco.gov/Alert.

Shelter Operations:

Saint Lucie County will open the following shelters on Tuesday at 2:00 PM:

  • Fort Pierce Westwood Academy(General Population/Pet-Friendly): 1801 Panther Ln., Fort Pierce
  • Treasure Coast HS(General Population/Pet-Friendly): 1000 SW Darwin Blvd, Port St. Lucie
  • Havert L. Fenn Center(Special Needs): 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce

Residents with special medical needs or pets are encouraged to pre-register: https://shorturl.at/175gr

Power Outages / FPUA:

To report power outages, contact the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) online at https://fpua.com/report-an-outage/or call (772) 466-7703.

FPUA's Customer Service Lobby will close today at noon through Friday, October 11. Utility disconnects are suspended during this time, though online payment services remain available.

City of Fort Pierce Updates:

  • City Hall and all City facilities, including parks, will close on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10. Normal operations are expected to resume Friday, October 11, at 8 AM.
  • The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, has been canceled.
  • A Local State of Emergency was declared yesterday, October 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
  • Freebee services will be suspended on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10 for rider and driver safety, with normal operations expected on Friday, October 11.

St. Lucie County Updates:

St. Lucie County officials will provide a live update from the Douglas M. Anderson Emergency Operations Center today at 5:00 PM on the county's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/StLucieGov.

St. Lucie Public Schools:

St. Lucie Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, October 8, through Thursday, October 10. Schools are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11.

Indian River State College (IRSC):

IRSC will close all campuses on Monday, October 7. Classes, including online, and events are canceled through Thursday, with normal operations anticipated to resume Friday, October 11.