- April 18, 2024
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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, Volusia County issued a mandatory evacuation for residents who live east of the intracoastal waterway, as well as all those who live in low-lying areas, manufactured and mobile homes east of I-95, and all campsites and RV parks, effective 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Nicole is expected to bring strong tropical force winds and the potential for hurricane force gusts to Volusia County, beginning Wednesday afternoon through 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. As of Tuesday afternoon, coastal areas in Volusia County were placed under a hurricane warning; inland areas were placed under a tropical storm warning, as a result of the storm's trajectory having shifted northward overnight.
A countywide curfew will also be in place beginning 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, through 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.
During a county news conference on Tuesday, Nov. 8, County Manager George Recktenwald encouraged all residents to take the storm seriously.
"This incoming storm is a direct threat to both property and life," Recktenwald said. "If you live in an area that has been issued a mandatory evacuation order, please follow this order. Our infrastructure, especially along the coastline is very vulnerable at this time due to the effects of Hurricane Ian. A low category hurricane or even a tropical storm will cause more damage than usual due to the weakened infrastructure we have."
Residents who were impacted by flooding due to Ian should expect to be impacted by Nicole as well, he added.
According to a county press release, water levels could rise by 3-5 feet above normal tide levels, and the county could receive 4-6 inches of rain with up to 8 inches in some areas, particularly around the coast. All parts of the county are expected to receive 45-60 mph sustained winds.
Bridges will close when sustained winds reach 39 mph. Additionally, the county will close bridges when the curfew begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said during the news conference that the mandatory evacuation order was not taken lightly.
"This is a real safety hazard to our residents and to our community," Chitwood said. "So we need you to heed this. This is not the time to have hurricane fatigue. This is the time to think, 'What is about to happen to us is going to be unprecedented. What Ian left us, we have not recovered from.'"
All public schools in Volusia County will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 10, due to Tropical Storm Nicole.
There will be no school-sponsored activities during the closure and all administrative offices will also be closed, according to a press release from Volusia County Schools. . The two school days missed due to the storm will be made up during the second semester of the school year.
The city of Ormond Beach will close facilities beginning at noon Wednesday, Nov. 9, through Thursday, Nov. 10.
In addition to these closures, the city’s Sports Complex, Nova Recreation Center and Nova Park will be closed through Friday, Nov. 11 due to Tropical Storm Nicole.
All programs and activities will also be canceled during this time, according to the city’s website.
The school district, in partnership with the county, will open four shelters due to Tropical Storm Nicole at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
The general population shelters will be located at:
The special needs shelters will be located at:
All shelters will accept pets. Those staying at a shelter with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies.
Residents may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours. Items to bring include:
