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Local Updates and Information

Hurricane Nicole: Advisories, Evacuations, Curfews and Information

WARNING: Portions of Volusia County are currently under STORM SURGE WATCH and TROPICAL STORM WATCH.

Volusia County is currently under the following alerts per the National Weather Service (updated 12:30 p.m. Nov. 7):

  • Tropical Storm Watch for Volusia County (A tropical storm watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours.)
  • Storm Surge Watch for coastal Volusia (A storm surge watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible within the next 48 hours.)
  • Flood Warning for the St. Johns River near Astor and DeLand.

National Weather Service Monday, November 8 Update:

Windy today, with isolated to scattered rain showers. Marine conditions remain very hazardous, as winds increase & seas build. HIGH threat for strong rip currents.

Here are the updated Hurricane Threat & Impact Graphics for east central Florida. To be safe, locations in red should prepare for the potential of extensive wind impacts from hurricane force wind of equivalent Category 1 intensity from Nicole http://weather.gov/mlb/hti

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for our area, with a Hurricane Watch for the coastline from Brevard County southward. Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for the coast from Volusia to Martin Counties. Tropical Storm conditions could arrive as early as Wed AM along the coast.

Volusia County Emergency Management Tuesday, November 8 Update:

Tropical Storm Nicole will bring strong tropical force winds and the potential for hurricane force gusts to Volusia County beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting through 8 p.m. Thursday. This massive storm poses a significant threat for dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds and gusts.

Water levels could rise by 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, and the area could receive 4 to 6 inches of rain with up to 8 inches in some areas, especially along the coast. All parts of the county are expected to receive 45-60 mph sustained winds along with hurricane strength gusts.

Coastal Volusia County is under a hurricane warning, while inland portions of the county are under a tropical storm warning.

“Tropical Storm Nicole poses a direct threat to property and life,” said County Manager George Recktenwald. “Our infrastructure, especially along the coastline, is extremely vulnerable because of Hurricane Ian’s impacts. We expect further erosion along the beach, along with flooding in areas that were previously flooded by Ian. Residents need to take this storm seriously.”

A river flood warning is in effect for the St. Johns River from Geneva to Astor.

Residents should make their final preparations tonight.

Tropical Storm Nicole, which is anticipated to be classified as a hurricane later today, is nearing the Florida peninsula, expecting to make landfall later this evening. Now is the time to make any final preparations and review pre-storm safety.

If you haven’t already done so, take a final look around your property. Be sure to secure items such as furniture, tools, flowerpots, wind chimes and yard debris. These items could become airborne in high winds and cause damage or injury.

Volusia County is already feeling the impacts as the storm approaches Florida’s east coast. Maximum impacts will be felt from 10 p.m. tonight, Nov. 9, through noon tomorrow Nov. 10.

County staff is maintaining continuous communication with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, FEMA and our local municipalities. The Emergency Operations Center will transition to partial activation if conditions warrant.

Hazard concerns will increase ahead of, and associated with, a broad slow-moving low pressure system which could take on some tropical characteristics as it further develops and moves over the southwest Atlantic toward the Florida Peninsula early next week. There is a measure of risk to all areas within east central Florida, even inland areas, as the week unfolds. It is too early to determine exact impacts, but particular weather and water hazards are revealing themselves. Regardless of the character of its development, or whether the system acquires a tropical name or not, there is an increasing risk of gale-force winds and/or gusts, coastal flooding, and periods of heavy rain. An increased volume of ocean water is outlooked to transition onto the beaches combined with large breaking waves. This prompts serious concerns for coastal flooding, major beach erosion, high and rough surf, and strong rip currents. This risk will become greater during the times of local high tide.

Also, rounds of heavy rain will likely be accentuated near the coast, but also spread inland. If prolonged periods of heavy rain occur over the same areas, or across flood-prone locations, it may raise additional concerns for localized flooding.

Mandatory Evacuation Order

As a reminder, Volusia County has issued a mandatory evacuation order beginning at 10 a.m. today, Nov. 9, for all residences and businesses that are:

  • East of the Intracoastal Waterway
  • All manufactured and mobile home dwellers east of Interstate 95
  • All low-lying areas and other areas prone to flooding
  • All campsites and RV recreational parks

Evacuees are encouraged to stay with family, friends or an inland hotel and must complete their evacuation by 4 p.m. today, Nov. 9, because conditions will begin to deteriorate significantly.

Shelters

Volusia County Schools and Volusia County Government will open four shelters at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

General population shelters will be opened at:

  • Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange
  • University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City

Special needs shelters will be opened at:

  • Heritage Middle School, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona
  • David C. Hinson Middle School, 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach

All four shelters will accept pets. Those staying at a shelter with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies. Additional shelters will be opened if necessary. Shelters should be used only as a last resort because they do not provide luxury accommodations.

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours. Since space is limited, evacuees should bring only essential items. Eat a meal before leaving for a shelter and avoid bringing valuables. Shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Necessary items include:

  • Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, water or other non-alcoholic beverages
  • Bedding, including a pillow, blanket and a comfortable beach chair and sleeping pad
  • Ear plugs
  • Extra clothing
  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Oxygen supplies
  • Toiletry items
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
  • Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards

Special needs shelters

Hospitals are not shelters. Special needs shelters are for medical patients. They are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator and other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient.

Homeless shelters

Homeless shelters will open Wednesday at these locations:

  • The Bridge, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand
  • First Step Shelter, 3889 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (individuals must first report to Halifax Urban Ministries, 340 N. St., Daytona Beach, for transportation to the First Step Shelter)

Hotel accommodations

Evacuees seeking accommodations on the mainland side of Volusia County can visit the following link: https://www.daytonabeach.com/…/near-daytona…/. In addition, Visit Florida has activated the Emergency Accommodations Module on Expedia.com to provide real-time hotel and lodging availability for impacted Floridians and visitors.

Curfew

The Volusia County Council has issued an emergency countywide curfew to protect and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Volusia County residents and visitors. The curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

The curfew does not apply to:

  • Regular members of law enforcement bodies
  • Regular employees of business, industries or government entities while traveling from their jobs
  • All emergency workers

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.

Bridges

Bridges will remain closed either until 7 AM Thursday morning, or until sustained winds have dropped below 39 MPH and the bridges have been inspected for safety and deemed safe to cross. Any bridges currently marked “residents can exit” will close and remained closed once sustained winds have reached 39 MPH.

Here is a list of the bridges currently closed:

  • Granada Bridge – The bridge is open but law enforcement will be enforcing curfew
  • Seabreeze Bridge – Closed eastbound, residents can exit
  • Main Street Bridge – Closed eastbound, residents can exit
  • International Speedway Boulevard Bridge – Closed eastbound, residents can exit
  • Veterans Memorial Bridge – Closed eastbound, residents can exit
  • Dunlawton Bridge – Closed eastbound, residents can exit
  • North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach – Closed both directions
  • South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach – Closed both directions

Potential Impacts

Marine and surf conditions will deteriorate further this weekend as the local pressure gradient tightens and winds increase up to 15 – 20 mph along the coast. Numerous strong rip currents, rough and pounding surf with large breaking waves building up to 5 – 7 feet, and some shoreline erosion around times of high tide are likely. Conditions will become increasingly dangerous in the surf zone and entering the water is strongly discouraged. 

Winds and seas will further deteriorate next week as the low moves closer to the area. Persistent onshore winds, increasing to 20-25 mph with higher gusts, combined with large breaking waves building to 8 – 10 feet will likely lead to major beach erosion and the potential for coastal flooding across multiple high tide cycles between Monday evening into Thursday. Additionally, an increase in moisture will promote a greater coverage of fast onshore-moving showers and squalls capable of bringing strong wind gusts in excess of 35 mph, along with periodic heavy rain. Accumulated rainfall amounts may reach 3-4 inches, with higher amounts up to 5-6 inches in spots, for coastal counties – as well as inland near parts of the Saint Johns River. Accumulated amounts of 2-3 inches may occur elsewhere, even well-inland toward Orlando and Leesburg.

For interests along the St. Johns River, north to northeast winds and rainfall in association with the low pressure system will slow or even stall its decline early next week, particularly at Astor. In fact, points along the river (such as at Astor) could actually experience a rise in a reasonable worst case. Though it is still too early to provide specific precipitation totals, there is the possibility of multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall into late next week, with the highest amounts expected toward the coast.

Threat of tornado activity

Volusia County is under a hurricane warning for the coastal areas and a tropical storm warning inland. There will be a potential risk for tornado activity during the storm. It’s important for everyone to identify a safe room in their home where they can go during a tornado. This should be an interior room with no windows. Also, be sure to keep your weather radio on and take it to your safe room with you.

Timing

Poor to hazardous marine and surf conditions are expected across all of the east central Florida Atlantic waters and adjacent coastal areas this weekend. Then, the weather and water situation will further deteriorate early next week as the storm system makes its closest approach. At this time, the greatest impacts are projected from Monday night into Thursday.

Additional watches, warnings, and advisories may be issued as early as Sunday night to spotlight growing hazard concerns and to enhance public messaging with greater detail.

Areas Affected

All of east central Florida, especially coastal counties. The greatest impacts are likely across Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin counties. Also, locations vulnerable to the localized flooding from periodic heavy rain – whether on the coast or inland, or in the vicinity of the Saint Johns River. All interests within east central Florida should remain informed of this serious and evolving weather situation.

Precautionary measures

County officials advise residents to take precautionary measures, including:

  • Ensure enough food and water are available for all household members.
  • Remove debris, clean gutters and secure loose items, such as yard and patio furniture.
  • Make sure flashlights are still working and ample batteries are available.

Coastal residents should consider moving to a safer location as soon as possible.

Volusia County’s Emergency Operations:

Officials from Volusia County and municipalities met today at the county’s Emergency Operations Center with staff from FEMA, the Florida Department of Emergency Management and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to share information and make plans to ensure the safety of residents. Employees from Volusia County and coastal municipalities are delivering a county issued emergency advisory to coastal residents advising them of the potential dangers.

The advisory states: Volusia County is currently under a declared state of local emergency as it recovers from Hurricane Ian. A number of structures along the beachfront areas of Volusia County have suffered critical and/or structural impacts due to Hurricane Ian and are at risk of further damage. A possible week-long storm event, a nor’easter, is predicted to adversely affect sections of the beachfront areas of Volusia County, with the possibility of 7’ to 10’ waves along the Volusia County shoreline that may cause further erosion and possible additional damage to those structures.

Volusia County urgently advises that all persons should take necessary precautions for their safety including if necessary, moving to a safer location and consider vacating those beachfront structures as soon as possible as storm impacts will begin this weekend and dangerous tides are expected to start in the evening hours of Monday, November 7. This advisory is subject to change based on conditions.

Resources and Preparations

NEW SMYRNA BEACH – Free sand piles are now available for residents to fill bags ahead of the forecast arrival of Subtropical Storm Nicole in the field south of the Sports Complex football stadium at 2335 Sunset Dr. Empty bags will be provided onsite; residents must bring their own shovels.

PONCE INLET – Sandbags will be available to Ponce Inlet residents Sunday, and Monday from 8 AM through 4 PM, at the Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 South Peninsula Drive. Residents should bring a shovel and be prepared to fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident, and identification is required.

PORT ORANGE – Sandbags will be available for Port Orange residents by the REC center (the old gymnasium at City Center Complex) beginning at 11:00 am tomorrow (Monday, Nov 7) until 5:00 pm and again Tuesday, Nov 8th 8am-5pm.

SOUTH DAYTONA – Sand and bags will be available TODAY, Monday, November 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JAMES STREET PARK, 1700 James Street. The city will provide bags, sand and shovels. Residents must provide proof of residency. Please be prepared to fill your own bags.

HOLLY HILL – Sandbags will be available Monday, Nov. 7, from noon to 6 p.m. and tomorrow, Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on 10th Street at the Public Works building.

DAYTONA BEACH – Emergency officials are continuing to monitor the potential development of a subtropical low-pressure system that may impact our area. Windy and rainy weather is possible through next week. Sandbags will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, for Daytona Beach residents and business owners at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel to pick up sandbags. Public Works staff will be onsite to assist, as needed. There is no charge for sandbags and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle.

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES – Sandbags and dirt are available for Daytona Beach Shores residents to fill (up to ten (10) per household) till 5 p.m. this afternoon. Nov. 7, and from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. tomorrow, Nov.8,  at the Pavilion located at 3048 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

ORMOND BEACH – The City of Ormond Beach is encouraging residents to prepare for the upcoming storm by picking up sandbags. A self-serve sand pile and fillable sandbags will be available at the Nova Community Center (440 N Nova Rd) and staff will be on location to help residents fill and load their bags.

Self-Serve Sand Hours:

  • Monday: 12:00 pm to Dark
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am to Dark
  • Ormond Beach residents can show their ID to receive up to 10 complimentary fillable bags from the Nova Recreation Center office during the hours listed above. Residents will need to bring a shovel and help fill/load the bags into their vehicles.

DELAND – For those needing sandbags, operations have been extended until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 8. The sandbag station will be located in the parking lot near Melching Field at the corner of East Hubbard Avenue and South Woodland Boulevard. Sand and bags will be on site as well as a limited number of shovels for residents. Please bring your ID for proof of residency. There will be a limit of 10 bags per residence. Garbage will be picked up as normal on Wednesday. It will not be picked up Thursday.

DEBARY – The City of Debary will be distributing free sandbags to residents. Ten bags per household, while supplies last. Residents should bring their drivers license and/or proof of DeBary residency. No commercial businesses. Please bring your own shovel. Sandbags will be available in the back parking lot of the Gateway Center at 880 Highway 17-92. Staff will be available to assist, weather permitting.

  • 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8
  • 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 9

DELTONA – The City of Deltona has opened its sandbag filling station at 2931 Day Road, Deltona, FL 32738. The city is providing 20 bags per household while supplies last. Residents must show proof of residency and are encouraged to bring shovels and a helper to expedite the sandbag filling. 

  • Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 – Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, from 8 AM – 5 PM

EDGEWATER – The city has stocked two locations throughout the city with sand piles. Sand piles are accessible 24 hours a day.

Sand pile locations:

  • Fire Station 57 2628 Hibiscus Drive
  • Mango Tree Lake 901 Mango Tree Drive

Residents should bring their own shovels (and bags outside of staffed hours at Mango Tree Lake). The Fire Station 57 location will not be staffed but will be accessible 24 hours per day. Bags may also be purchased at local home supply centers or double bagged, heavy duty garbage bags may be used.

The Mango Tree Lake location will be staffed for sand bag distribution on:

  • Monday November 07, 2022 until 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday November 8, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday November 9, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM (weather permitting)

10 bags will be available per person with proof of Edgewater residency, while supplies last

While both City forces and contracted debris haulers have been working diligently and continue picking up both vegetative and construction/demolition debris, there remains a great deal of debris from Hurricane Ian throughout the community. Residents may put any vegetative debris in cans for pick up on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. City forces and contracted debris haulers will continue to work from 7:00 AM until dark as long as weather conditions permit. Residents are asked to place any lighter construction and demolition debris under heavier debris as a precaution.

LAKE HELEN – Sandbags are available at 327 S. Lakeview Drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.  Self-serve sand station is at the Equestrian Center, 321 Pleasant Street, during daylight hours only.

ORANGE CITY – Orange City residents may pick up sandbags at the Waggin’ Trail Dog Park, 1201 South Leavitt Ave., Orange City on Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sand and bags will be provided. Residents must bring their own shovel and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. ID is required.

OAK HILL – There is no information available at this time.

VOLUSIA COUNTY – Volusia County will provide free sand and empty sandbags to residents from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 through Wednesday, Nov. 9 in the parking lot of the Volusia County Correctional Facility, 1354 Indian Lake Road, Daytona Beach. Some municipal governments will also provide sand and sandbags. To learn about additional sand and sandbag distribution, check your municipal government’s webpage or visit volusia.org/pin.

Palm Coast (Flagler County) – Sand and bags (limited to 10 sandbags per household), as well as manpower, will be available at the following locations on Monday:

  • Flagler Technical College – 5633 N. Oceanshore Blvd., The Hammock – 8 a.m. until supplies are gone
  • Bay Drive Park – 30 Bay Drive, The Hammock – 8 a.m. until supplies are gone

Stay Informed

Volusia County Schools – Volusia County Schools will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 10.

Emergency Operations Center – Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center is partially activated today and will move to full activation on Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Citizens Information Center – Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 for updated information.

Residents can call Volusia County Emergency Management at 386-254-1500 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.

Residents can stay informed by visiting www.volusia.org/pin and downloading the Volusia County EM app, which is available for free on the Google Play or App Store. The app features weather alerts and current conditions, preparedness checklists, links to county sites, locations of the nearest open shelter and sandbag distribution sites, evacuation information, push notifications and more.

Residents are also encouraged to follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook, subscribe to the County of Volusia YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/vcyoutubesubscribe, and sign up for emergency notification phone alerts at www.volusia.org/emergency.

Storm Updates and Notifications

Storm Preparation, Notices and Safety Information:

Beach

According to Beach Safety Director Andy Ethridge, the coast is already experiencing extremely large, powerful waves that will lead to dangerous rip currents. He urges people to stay off the beach and out of the water.

Residents and visitors are urged to stay off the beach until further notice due to the dangers presented by wind, high surf and damaged beach structures. Showers and bathrooms will be closed.

Trashcans and port-o-lets have been removed from the beach. Ramps will be closed when tides become too high, and rescue vehicles will not be able to access the beach when the driving lanes are underwater.

Bridge Closures

  • No bridge closures at this time.

General Information – If sustained wind speed reaches 39 mph or a land evacuation is ordered, all bridges crossing the Halifax River will be closed. They will reopen after the Florida Department of Transportation inspects them and determines they are structurally safe.

Municipalities are responsible for managing re-entry to the beachside. Residents should reach out to their city with questions regarding identification needed for re-entry.

After and During the Storm

Avoid unnecessary driving

Except for evacuations, residents are advised to shelter in place and stay off the roads until notified that it’s safe to go out. Standing water, downed trees and other debris could make roads dangerous and impassible. Not only that, but at some point during the storm, emergency crews may not be able to respond to calls.

Traffic signals

Some traffic signals may not be operating. If you approach an intersection that is not operable, you must treat it as a four-way stop.

Downed power lines and outages

If you see a downed line, assume that it’s electrified and don’t touch it or go near it. Report it to your power company as well as the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345.

To report power outages or downed power lines, contact your electric provider:

After the Storm Assistance and Information:

Food safety for power outages

According to the Centers for Disease Control, refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after the loss of power.

Follow these tips during the power outage:

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
  • If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe for up to four hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer or 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
  • If the power has been out for four hours and a cooler and ice are available, put refrigerated perishable foods in the cooler. To keep them at 40 degrees or below, add ice or a cold source like frozen gel packs.

Follow these tips after power is restored:

  • Never taste food to determine if it is safe to eat. When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator (meat, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and leftovers) after four hours without power or a cold source like dry ice. Throw out any food with an unusual odor, color or texture.
  • Check temperatures of food kept in coolers or your refrigerator with an added cold source. Throw out food above 40 degrees.
  • If you have an appliance thermometer in your freezer, check to see if it is still at 40 degrees or below.
  • You can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food that still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees or below.

Generator safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

If you lose power and plan to use a generator, follow these safety tips:

  • Placement is key. Never use generators indoors or outside near windows, vents or air intakes that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. This can be fatal.
  • Use proper care. Proper ventilation is critical to reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator’s engine exhaust. CO poisoning is a common, serious danger that can cause death if generators are used improperly; this is particularly true when the fuel is not burned completely.
  • Keep other items clear. Maintain plenty of air flow space around the generator.
  • Pay attention. Get fresh air immediately if you begin to feel sick, dizzy or light-headed or experience flu-like symptoms.
  • Buy a CO detector. Because CO is invisible and odorless, buy a CO detector (similar to or sometimes combined in a smoke detector) to warn of rising CO levels.
  • Ground your generator. Carefully follow all instructions on properly “grounding” the generator.
  • Keep the generator dry. Short circuits may occur in wet conditions, which can cause a generator fire. If needed, place the generator under an open canopy-type structure.
  • Be prepared. Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Leave it to the professionals. To avoid electric shock or electrocution, do not try to fix or otherwise work on a generator.
  • Organize your cords. Keep cords out of the way to avoid injury but keep them in plain view to keep track of cord damage (such as fraying or cuts) that could cause a fire.
  • Never back-feed power. Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet. Back feeding will put you and others, including utility line workers, at serious risk because the utility transformer can increase low voltage from the generator to thousands of volts.
  • Don’t touch. It’s hot. The exterior portions of a generator, even if operated for only a short period of time, can become hot. Avoid touching the generator without protective gear and keep debris clear to avoid a fire.
  • Shut off your generator and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before refueling. Extremely hot exhaust can lead to the unsafe ignition of spilled gas or concentrated vapors.

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