Hurricane warning in effect for Volusia, officials warn residents to stay off beaches

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Tropical storm-force winds could reach Volusia County around noon or 1 p.m. Tuesday, Volusia County Emergency Management Director Jim Judge said at a news conference Monday, adding that residents should follow the mandatory evacuation orders for the beachside, low-lying areas, mobile home and RV parks. Shelters opened at 10 a.m. today.

Hurricane Dorian is currently battering Grand Bahama island and moving slowly westward at 1 mph, stated the 11 a.m. National Hurricane Center advisory. The hurricane is then forecasted to move "dangerously close" to Florida's east coast late Monday through Wednesday evening. Maximum sustained winds have dropped slightly to 155 mph, and it is now a category 4.

Judge said tropical storm-force winds could last for 24 hours, and Volusia may see 2-4 inches or rain, as well as 4-7 feet of storm surge. Dorian is expected to pick up speed Tuesday through Wednesday, and Volusia is under a local state of emergency.

There are 15 shelters open in Volusia County.

Capt. Tammy Malphurs of Volusia County Beach Safety said the agency is flying a double-red flag on beaches. There is already debris in the water. Lifeguard towers and traffic signs have been taken off the beach, so no vehicles are currently being allowed in. The tides are hitting the seawalls in some areas, though no beach erosion has taken place yet, she said.

Message from County Councilwoman Heather Post:

"As everyone scrambles to prepare and respond to the impending hurricane, so many putting community before themselves, I say THANK YOU. You do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. This Labor Day or any day, stay safe out there.

In regards to Hurricane Dorian, PLEASE be prepared, heed evacuation orders, and stay vigilant. We are still VERY much in a cone or uncertainty. If you have questions, you can contact the Citizens Information Center at (866) 345-0345. There is also valuable information on shelters, etc. to be found at www.volusia.org/pin

If you are on Facebook, I have been providing regular updates at www.facebook.com/PublicFigureHeatherPost and will continue to do so in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

I have been on calls with the National Weather Service & Emergency Management from around the state to remain updated and provide the best response. I have been working closely with FPL, the Red Cross, and others in our area to ensure the best response. I have been out in the community, hands on, helping residents to stock sandbags & board up. County staff is doing an amazing job & we are ready for the storm & whatever it brings. Make sure you and your family are too. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance now or in the aftermath."

Though people may want to go back to the beach once Dorian passes, Malphurs said Beach Safety will continue flying a double-red flag after the storm due to debris.

“We want everyone to stay out of the water," Malphurs said.

The Daytona Beach Airport terminal will close at 6 p.m. today. The Volusia County landfill is open today, but will close Tuesday and Wednesday. Volusia County offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday as well, and schools are closed through Thursday and all related activities cancelled.