This page will continue to be updated as more information becomes available. For up-to-the-minute information, please consult the National Hurricane Center and Volusia County Emergency Management.

AUGUST 30 12 PM UPDATE:

Volusia County Hurricane Idalia Update

Storm Impacts Were Minimal

Volusia County emerged largely unscathed from the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Volusia County, municipalities, and agencies took fast and effective steps to ensure public safety and inform the public about changing conditions. Emergency Management officials thank residents for taking this storm seriously and making preparations.

“We were fortunate with this storm as we only had to deal with its outer edges,” said Volusia County Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham. “Each storm presents its own challenges, and we all need to be ready for the next one.”

Coastal Update

Volusia County’s Coastal and Beach Safety divisions are assessing damage along the coast. Initial inspections have shown no significant erosion or property impacts.

Beach access ramps will remain closed today. The beach will reopen to driving Thursday morning.

Smyrna Dunes Park and Lighthouse Point Park will open to the public at 1 p.m. today. Coastal parks, restrooms, and showers will be opened as they are inspected.

Bridges

All bridges in Volusia County remain open.

Emergency Operations Center

Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center will remain under a level 2 activation today and will resume standard operations tomorrow, Aug. 31. The Citizens Information Center will remain open until 7 p.m. tonight. Residents may call 866-345-0345.

Florida Department of Health

Florida Department of Health locations in Volusia County will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 30, and will resume normal operations at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.

Garbage and Recycling Pickup

There will be no special storm debris collection. Residents who have vegetative storm debris should place it for collection by their normal waste collection provider, following their guidelines for yard waste pickup. Guidelines for residents in unincorporated areas allow for the collection of up to 4 cubic yards of vegetative debris a week, with limbs not exceeding 4 feet in length or 1 foot in diameter. Each limb or yard waste container must weigh no more than 60 pounds.

Get Ready for the Next Storm

Information saves lives! Make sure you’re in the know when the next storm approaches.

Download the free Volusia County Emergency Management app in Google Play or the 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.

COASTAL VOLUSIA COUNTY IS NOW UNDER AN ONGOING TROPICAL STORM WATCH

The NOAA National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Volusia County. This means a tropical storm with winds of 39 to 73 mph poses a possible threat within 48 hours. The watch does not mean tropical storm conditions will occur; it only means these conditions are possible.

Conditions will begin to deteriorate Tuesday afternoon, and there is a potential for beach erosion in Volusia County.

Emergency declarations

Gov. Ron DeSantis has amended his emergency declaration to include Volusia County.

Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower has issued a declaration of local emergency.

CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTER

Volusia County will open its Citizens Information Center from noon to 6 p.m. today, Aug. 28. It will also be open 24 hours beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, until further notice. Residents may call 866-345-0345 for information about the storm, sandbags, disaster preparation and community resources.

COASTAL IMPACTS

In light of the projected easterly swells from Hurricane Franklin and the impending elevated high tide levels coinciding with the upcoming full moon on Wednesday, there is the potential for dangerous rip currents and heightened beach erosion. Residents and visitors are advised to stay out of the ocean until these conditions subside.

All coastal contractors must secure their work sites by end of day Tuesday, Aug. 29, and remain offsite until further notice.

As the Atlantic hurricane season gains momentum, the looming threat of Hurricane Idalia has drawn the attention of residents and authorities along the East Coast, particularly in Volusia County, Florida. With its unpredictable path and intensifying strength, Idalia has become a focal point of concern for those residing in the county’s vulnerable coastal areas.

The potential impacts of this impending storm have triggered a flurry of preparations and precautionary measures. In the face of this imminent threat, staying informed and updated is paramount.

To keep you abreast of the situation, the East Coast Current will be providing real-time updates as they become available, offering valuable insights into the storm’s impacts, safety recommendations, and even information on where to obtain essential resources like sandbags.

With a potential threat in the tropics, now is the best time for residents to be prepared and stay informed. The County of Volusia has several platforms available with accurate and up-to-date storm information.

• Follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook
• Download the Volusia County Emergency Management app from the Apple or Google Play store
• Sign up for AlertVolusia emergency notification alerts here: https://www.volusia.org/emergency
• Subscribe to County of Volusia YouTube channel for livestream updates, visit https://bit.ly/vcyoutubesubscribe
• Visit the Volusia County PIN (Public Information Network) website for local info from the county, cities and other vital agencies – http://www.volusia.org/pin

Latest Updates from the National Weather Service:

At 700 AM CDT (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Idalia was about 90miles (150 km) South of the western tip of Cuba. Idalia is moving toward the north near 8 mph (13 km/h). A northward motion is expected through tonight, followed by a faster north-northeast motion on Tuesday and Wednesday. On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is forecast to pass near or over western Cuba tonight, over the extreme southeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Tuesday, and reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher gusts. Idalia is forecast to become a hurricane later today and a dangerous major hurricane over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by early Wednesday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (110 km) from the center. The latest minimum central pressure estimated from data from an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is 989 mb (29.21 inches).

It’s Time to Assemble Your Hurricane Disaster Supplies

As we prepare ourselves for potential storms and their aftermath, it’s important to ensure that we have more than just the bare minimum supplies to sustain us during a hurricane. We need to be equipped with enough provisions to endure what could be an extended recovery period. During this time, access to essentials like water and electricity may be disrupted for a week or even longer. Therefore, it’s crucial to have an ample supply of non-perishable food, water, and medicine to last each member of your family for at least three days.

In addition to these fundamental necessities, there are a few other crucial items you should have on hand. It’s recommended to have extra cash available, as well as flashlights and a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger to ensure your cell phone remains functional. A disaster supplies kit is an assemblage of basic items that may be required in the event of an emergency.

To prepare such a kit, make sure it includes water (at least one gallon per person per day for multiple days), a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle (to signal for help), a dust mask (to filter contaminated air), plastic sheeting and duct tape (for sheltering in place), moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation), a wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities), a manual can opener (for food), local maps, and a cellphone with chargers and backup batteries.

Once you have gathered these basic items, take some time to consider any unique needs your family may have. This could include supplies for pets, children, or elderly family members. Tailor your disaster supplies kit accordingly to ensure everyone’s requirements are met. To organize your kit, store the items in air tight plastic bags and place the entire kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Remember that assembling your disaster supplies kit is only the first step. It’s essential to maintain it properly so that it remains ready for use when needed. Keep your food in a cool and dry place, store boxed food in tightly closed containers, replace expired items, and review and update your kit annually to accommodate any changes in your family’s needs.

For additional guidance and a comprehensive emergency supply list, you can find more tips and resources online at Ready.gov. Start preparing your hurricane disaster supplies now to ensure you and your family are well-equipped and ready to face any challenges that may arise during the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Volusia County Schools – Updates and Closures

**Official Statement from Volusia County Schools**

Volusia County Schools is continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Idalia in close coordination with the county’s Emergency Operations Center. Again, the safety of our students, families, and staff is our priority.

At this time, there is school tomorrow, Tuesday, August 29th. The greatest impact of the storm is still expected to be felt on Wednesday along the northwest Gulf Coast of Florida, while Volusia County will experience tropical storm-level winds on Wednesday morning. As such, we will continue to monitor closely.

At this time, the county will be providing shelters in lieu of the district closing any schools for shelter. These shelters will be located at the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County for individuals with special needs and the Volusia County Fairgrounds for the general population.

Updates will continue to be made available on our website (www.vcsedu.org/community/storm-resource-center).

Voluntary evacuations, shelters, beaches

Volusia County has issued a voluntary evacuation recommendation beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. People who live in RVs, mobile homes, or low-lying areas may wish to find accommodations with friends or family members. People in these high-risk areas may use public shelters as a site of last resort.

Beachfront residents who were impacted by significant coastal erosion during Hurricane Ian or Nicole, and have not completed necessary protective measures, are encouraged to seek safe shelter.

Shelters

Volusia County and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County will open shelters at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at these locations:

Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (general population and pets)
Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (individuals who lack permanent housing)
Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach (special needs shelter)

Additionally, the Bridge at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, will open to the community at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Clients may remain inside throughout the day and may stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning.

All shelters will accept pets. Those staying with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies, including a leash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water, and food.

Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or 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.

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Necessary items include:

Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, and water or other non-alcoholic beverages
Bedding
Ear plugs
Extra clothing
Medications and medical supplies
Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs oxygen shelter
Toiletry items
Flashlight and batteries
Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards

Volusia County beaches

Volusia County beaches will close to vehicular traffic Tuesday afternoon. These will be rolling closures. As toll booths are removed, entry will be prohibited in those locations. The beach access ramps will remain closed throughout Wednesday. County staff will work quickly to assess damage before reopening the beaches.

All coastal parks will close at the end of day Tuesday.

For real-time updates, download the Volusia Beaches App.

Closures and cancellations

SunRail will suspend service tonight until further notice. For additional information, visit https://www.sunrail.com.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s public hearing regarding the Tomoka/Ford Marsh property, originally scheduled for Aug. 29, has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Idalia. A new time and date will be announced.
The Florida Department of Transportation is postponing an Aug. 31 meeting regarding plans for safety improvements on South Ridgewood Avenue at the intersection of Marion Avenue in Edgewater. Information is available at https://www.cflroads.com/project/992200-2. The meeting will be rescheduled, and the new date will be announced.

Comfort in a Storm

Now that you’ve assembled your essential supplies, consider what you can do ahead of a storm to ensure your comfort and less stress – before, during and after a hurricane. Click here to read our tips!

Where to get Sandbags in Volusia County

Volusia County

Volusia County will operate self-service sandbag stations from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29, at:

• Road and Bridge facility, 2560 W. State Road 44, DeLand

• Road and Bridge facility, 200 State Road 415, Osteen

Residents can also pick up pre-filled sandbags at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Road, Daytona Beach, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. There is a limit of five bags per vehicle.

Volusia County / Unincorporated

No information available at this time.

Daytona Beach

Sandbags will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today (Monday, Aug. 28) at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel to fill sandbags. There is no charge for sandbags and there is a 10-bag limit per vehicle. If demand and conditions warrant, sandbag operations will be extended Tuesday.

Daytona Beach Shores

The City of Daytona Beach Shores is providing sand and sandbags starting from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28 and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at the Daytona Beach Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Drive, City Hall, 2990 S. Atlantic Ave., and Public Safety, 3050 S. Atlantic Ave. Sand is located at the Community Center. Hurricane passes will also be available. Residents are to bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill their own bags. Identification is required. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident while supplies last.

South Daytona

Sandbags are available from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at the Piggotte Community Center, 504 Big Tree. Residents should bring proof of residency.

Holly Hill

Sandbag distribution will begin at noon Monday, Aug. 28 for Holly Hill residents only.

Hours of operation

Monday, Aug. 28 from noon to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 7:30 a.m. (weather permititing)

Assistance will be available for those who need help with sandbags.

Port Orange

The City of Port Orange will open up its sandbag distribution site on Monday, August 28 for Port Orange residents.

The site is located in the field next to the REC Center at 4655 City Center Circle, Port Orange, FL 32129 ( See map below). It will be open from 10:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday. The site will also be open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29. Hours could change depending on the weather.

This is a self-service site. You must bring your identification and a shovel. Staff will provide bags for use. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per person.

This site is in the City Center Complex between Dunlawton Avenue and Herbert Street on the northwest side of City Hall.

New Smyrna Beach

Sand and fillable bags are available to New Smyrna Beach residents ahead of the forecast arrival of Tropical Storm Idalia at the Sports Complex, 2335 Sunset Dr.

City staff will provide a roll of 15 bags with proof of residency from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. Sand piles will remain available to residents after hours through Wednesday, Aug. 30. Residents must bring their own shovel.

In Volusia County, wind gusts could approach tropical storm force Wednesday. Isolated power outages and pockets of damage are possible. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches could cause street flooding and travel delays.

Edgewater

The City of Edgewater stocked three locations with sand piles:

• Fire Station 57, 2628 Hibiscus Drive (open 24 hours a day)

• Mango Tree Lake, 901 Mango Tree Drive (currently closed)

• Airpark staging area, 1898 Airpark Road (currently closed)

Residents should bring their own shovels and bags.

Oak Hill

No information available at this time.

Ponce Inlet

The Town of Ponce Inlet is providing sand and sandbags starting today, August 28th 12pm – 6pm and tomorrow August 29th from 9am – 6pm at the Ponce Inlet Community Center, 4670 S Peninsula Drive. Hurricane passes will also be available. Residents should bring a shovel and be prepared to fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 bags per resident, while supplies last, and identification is required.

DeLand

The City of DeLand will offer sand and bags to residents from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, in the parking lot south of Melching Field, 601 S. Woodland Blvd. Tuesday’s hours will be announced. Residents should bring a shovel and identification. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence.

Deltona

The City of Deltona is opening sandbag locations ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia.

Two sandbag locations will be open Monday from 8 a.m – 6 p.m.

Festival Park
191 Howland Blvd.

Day Road Location
2931 Day Road

This is a self-service operation where bags will be provided to our residents, but you should bring a shovel and someone to help with the bagging process. City Staff will continue to monitor the situation and adjust operations as necessary

DeBary

Sandbags are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 16 Colomba Road. Residents should bring a shovel and identification. There is a limit of 10 bags per residence.

Orange City

Orange City residents may pick up sandbags at the Waggin’ Trail Dog Park, 1201 South Leavitt Ave. on Monday, August 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 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.

Ormond Beach

Self-Serve Sand Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 9pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5:30pm

Location: Nova Community Center (440 N Nova Rd)

Show your ID and receive up to 10 complimentary fillable bags.

Don’t forget to bring your shovel!

Load up and prepare your home for this storm or possible future storms this season!

Lake Helen

No information is available at this time.

Sign Up for Disaster Alerts

Have you signed up to receive alerts about emergencies? Be sure you sign up today for your local program.

These systems will be used to notify you about: weather alerts, public safety notifications, health notifications, and more.

This emergency notification system allows you to receive communication from the city through a phone call, text message, or e-mail based on your preferences. You pick where, you pick how.

Code Red Notification System: If you have a cell phone or unlisted telephone number, you aren’t in our database! The only way to get notifications about emergencies in your area would be to “opt-in” to the free service. Any information furnished for the purpose of emergency notification is exempt from public records requirement.

This system provides the following:

Emergency notification regarding situations that may be occurring around your home/location.
Information about said calls, over the phone, with information to keep you and your family safe.
Boil water alerts, Missing endangered person information, and dangerous situations near you.
A very valuable resource for your family and the community.

To sign up for South Daytona visit: here
To sign up for Daytona Beach Shores visit: here
To sign up for Daytona Beach visit: here
To sign up for Port Orange visit: here
To sign up for New Smyrna Beach visit: here
To sign up for DeLand visit: here
To sign up for Ormond Beach visit: here

Florida 511

Florida’s 511 Traveler Information System is one of the most effective ways drivers can keep informed about roadway conditions during severe weather, evacuations and emergencies.

When hurricanes, severe weather, wildfires and other emergencies threaten Florida, a free phone call to 511 provides evacuation and emergency travel information. Callers will get important information regarding affected counties, cities, roadways and agencies.511 is a valuable tool providing real-time, locally generated reports regarding:

Major evacuation routes, road and bridge closures and toll suspensions
AMBER, Silver and LEO alerts
Traffic information on interstates; toll roads; and many other major roadways
Traffic cameras and personalized services

Generator Safety

It’s crucial to be well-prepared during Hurricane Season.

Post-storm power loss might lead to generator use, but safety is paramount. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Keep your generator at least 20 feet away from your home, allow 20 minutes for cooling before refueling, and invest in a $20 carbon monoxide alarm. These steps can make all the difference for your safety during the next storm.