- April 19, 2024
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As Hurricane Sandy moves its way up the coast, emergency management officials are estimating wind gusts up to 50 mph and waves up to 20 feet. Early voting will go on as planned.
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
Volusia County is under a tropical storm warning as Hurricane Sandy moves up the east coast of Florida.
Volusia County Emergency Management, in a statement, said despite the hurricane’s center being roughly 582 miles from Daytona Beach International Airport, the area can expect high winds and “extremely dangerous” beach and marine conditions.
Waves were expected to be eight to 12 feet near the shore, and 12-14 feet offshore, Thursday, before increasing Friday to 12-18 feet, and 18-22 feet, respectively.
A red flag warning is in effect for rip currents, as well, and emergency management officials encourage beachgoers to stay out of the water until the storm has passed.
Beachfront conditions, the officials warn, could continue into next week, and as a result, the beach will be closed to vehicle traffic starting 3 p.m. Thursday. It may not reopen until Sunday or Monday.
“We are expecting a pretty regular occurrence of high winds through Sunday, so folks should be aware of that,” Volusia County’s Emergency Management Director Charlie Craig said. “People driving high-profile vehicles such as buses, box trucks, RVs, ambulances and fire apparatus should avoid traveling over high-rise bridges on Friday and Saturday.”
Emergency management officials are estimating wind gusts, Friday afternoon through Saturday morning, could reach 50 mph, with 30 to 40 mph sustained winds.
Early voting at the Ormond Beach Library, and at locations throughout the county, will start at 7 a.m. Saturday, as originally planned.
Some Votran buses may be rerouted as a result of the high winds.
