Rain and strong winds expected Sunday through Monday

Posted On: November 7, 2020

Volusia County Emergency Management officials are monitoring Tropical Cyclone Eta as it tracks northward toward South Florida. The system is the twenty-eighth named storm of the 2020 season. Emergency Management officials are communicating closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and National Weather Service Office in Melbourne with Eta’s northward movement and the effects of the low pressure system to its north. 

In preparation for rain and strong winds Sunday into mid-day Monday, Beach Safety and Coastal divisions will pull trash cans and port-o-lets from the beach. Due to the expected high and rough surf, toll booths will also be pulled higher on ramps and toll attendants will likely be sent home in advance of the 1:49 p.m. high tide. Beach driving may be permitted in the early morning Sunday but is likely to close by 10 a.m. through Monday morning based on conditions. At this time, the biggest impacts are expected along the coast, with current projections of 2 to 4 inches of rain and winds of 35-45 mph with gusts 40-50 mph on Sunday night into mid-day Monday.

“Right now, in an effort to prepare for windy conditions, residents should take a walk around their homes and take down wind chimes, flags and hanging plants, and move trash cans and lawn furniture indoors,” Said Jim Judge, Volusia County’s emergency management director. “Even small changes in Eta’s track could make a difference with how the storm affects Volusia County, so it’s always good to remain prepared.” 

Residents can prepare and stay informed by downloading the Volusia County EM app, available 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 sandbags locations, evacuation information, push notifications and more. Residents can also follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates related to Volusia County.