Ian Update 8: Weather update

Posted On: September 26, 2022

Ian was named a hurricane early this morning with sustained wind speeds of 75 mph.

The situation has become more serious for East Central Floridians. There continues to be a great deal of uncertainty in Ian’s trajectory. Models continue to have the storm’s center of circulation entering the west coast of Florida, anywhere from north of Tampa to Big Bend to the Panhandle. The probability for tropical force winds for Volusia County has increased to 56% and hurricane force winds to 7%. The storm is expected to be a significant rain event for Volusia County.

Residents are advised to continue storm preparations, fill up their gas tanks, and stay tuned to local media outlets and www.volusia.org/pin for updates.

National Weather Service

According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to further intensify, becoming a major hurricane by the time it enters the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Its forecasted track has shifted east since yesterday and is now aimed toward the lower section of Florida’s Big Bend for mid to late week as a strong hurricane with a large wind field. Much of East Central Florida is at some risk. Further track shifts to the east are not out of the question.

For East Central Florida, tropical storm watches (for wind) are now in effect for all inland counties and Lake Okeechobee. There is a threat for tropical storm force winds with hurricane gusts – with an increasing concern for hurricane winds north and west of Interstate 4. Also, there is a multi-day threat for widespread flooding rain and tornadoes.

Depending on the exact track, an additional five to eight inches could occur this week, with locally higher amounts up to 10 to 12 inches in spots. There is a considerable threat for dangerous flooding; flood watches are forthcoming.

Sandbags

Sandbag information is constantly changing, and county staff is updating the list of sites frequently at www.volusia.org/sandbags.

Storm preparations

Residents are encouraged to develop a family plan and take steps to safeguard their homes. Start by filling up your gas tank, stocking up on food and water, removing debris and furniture from your yard, and filling prescriptions.

Step 1: Make a family plan.

Have a family meeting to talk about the hurricane. Decide where the family will stay during the storm. Together, develop a list of preparation tasks.

Step 2. Stock a disaster supply kit.

Your disaster supply kit should include:

• At least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for five to seven days
• Nonperishable food for three meals per day per person for five to seven days
• A five- to seven-day supply of special items such as food, formula, diapers and wipes for infants and those with special needs
• At least a two-week supply of medications
• Toiletries and extra toilet paper
• Manual can opener
• Paper goods such as plates, cups, napkins and utensils
• Unscented household bleach and medicine dropper
• Extra bedding such as pillows, blankets and sleeping bags
• Clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes
• First aid kit, sunscreen and hand sanitizer
• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio
• Tool kit including cord, rope, hammer, wood nails, saw, hatchet or axe, crowbar, chain saw blades, tarp, duct tape, rake, bucket, mop, broom and heavy work gloves
• Plastic trash bags and ties
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Extra charcoal or propane for outdoor cooking
• Hazard alert radio
• Extra batteries and car charger for cellphone
• A canned tire inflator for punctured tires

Your pet disaster kit should include food, water, bowls, leashes, toys, bedding, carrier, medications, newspaper, cat litter, plastic bags for handling waste, and license and vaccination documentation.

Additional safety tips are available at www.volusia.org/emergency.

Shelters

County officials are currently exploring the possibility of providing shelters for people who are unable to evacuate elsewhere or ride out the storms at home. If or when we do open shelters, we will post the information at www.volusia.org/pin.

It’s important to note that shelters should be used only as a last resort. They do not provide luxury accommodations, and if your residents plan to stay in a special needs shelter, they should register now by calling 386-258-4088 or downloading a form from www.volusia.org/emergency.

Public information

Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, and Tuesday, Sept. 27. If needed, the center will be open additional days.

To find the most up-to-date information and a list of resources, visit www.volusia.org/pin.

Closures

The Farmers Market at the Volusia County Fairgrounds is canceled for Wednesday.