10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 17:40
Posted On: October 7, 2024
Volusia County has been placed under both a Hurricane Watch and Flood Watch as Hurricane Milton gains strength and approaches Florida. Currently, the National Weather Service is predicting significant impacts from the storm to start arriving late Wednesday evening and lasting into Thursday morning. Local impacts potentially include up to 12 inches of rainfall, with higher localized amounts possible, and tropical storm to category 1-strength winds.
Evacuation Order
Volusia County has enacted an evacuation order for Hurricane Milton beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, for the following:
Residents meeting the above criteria should seek short-distance evacuations to a nearby safe location, stay with friends or family, or stay at an emergency shelter.
Emergency Shelters
Volusia County will open multiple emergency shelters at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9. General population shelters will include:
Special needs shelters, which will be staffed by health care professionals, will also be available. Evacuees should be accompanied by only one caregiver. These shelters are not for isolated patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, a ventilator, or other complex care. Special needs shelters will include:
Votran and Volusia County Schools will provide free transportation to public shelters.
Curfew
A curfew has been announced for Volusia County beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9., and lasting until 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, to discourage unnecessary traffic during the height of the storm. The curfew does not apply to:
Any person who knowingly violates this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to 60 days.
Sandbags
Volusia County will continue operating self-service sandbag distribution sites tomorrow, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
A Volusia County pre-filled sandbag distribution site will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. The Volusia County Branch Jail sandbag operation will not be operational on Tuesday.
There will be two drive-thru lines, including a self-service lane for individuals to load their bags and an assisted service lane for those needing help.
Some municipalities will also be offering sandbags tomorrow. The Volusia Emergency Management app will be updated to list sites, including those operated by the municipalities.
Landfill Operations
The Tomoka Farms Road Landfill and the West Volusia Transfer Station will be open during normal operating hours through Wednesday, Oct. 9. Both locations and administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. Weather permitting, both facilities will reopen for normal business hours on Friday, Oct.11.
Volusia County will continue coordinating with state officials and the National Weather Service to assess potential local impacts from the storm. Residents can stay updated by downloading the Volusia Emergency Management app, following the County's social media channels, or visiting www.volusia.org. Additionally, residents may call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow.