Ian Update 11: The threat for serious impacts continues to increase

Posted On: September 27, 2022

Tuesday morning’s update from the National Weather Service has Hurricane Ian’s trajectory with yet another slight nudge toward the east. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Volusia County.

The probability for tropical storm force winds for Volusia County is now 82% and hurricane force winds, 22%. A continued eastward shift in Ian’s currently projected path is not out of the question, which would make a significant impact on East Central Florida. Volusia County could experience up to 15 inches of rain with 50 to 60 mph sustained winds and gusts to 75 mph likely. The most likely arrival of tropical storm winds is early evening Wednesday.

State of Local Emergency

Volusia County declared a State of Local Emergency at 8 a.m. today, Sept. 27, in anticipation of Hurricane Ian. The Emergency Operations Center will transition to full activation at 8 a.m. Wednesday, and county offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. The declaration gives the county additional operational flexibilities during this emergency situation, including the ability to expend additional funds to address preparation and response efforts. If emergency needs arise, staff is able to appropriate funds as needed.

EOC activation

Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Closures

The following government agencies will be closed:

• Volusia County offices: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
• Volusia County Public Library system: All library branches will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. The Daytona Beach Regional Library on City Island is also closed today.
• Volusia County beaches: The beaches will remain open, but they will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Tuesday evening until further notice. Beachfront restrooms will also close.
• Marine Science Center: Closed until further notice
• Lyonia Environmental Center: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
• DeBary Hall Historic Site: Closed Wednesday and Thursday
• SunRail: Service has been suspended until further notice.
• Florida Department of Health – Volusia: All locations will be closed from Wednesday through Friday.  Patients with appointments scheduled for these days will be notified by clinic staff.

Courts

• All courthouses in Volusia County will be closed Wednesday through Friday. Volusia County land records, court records and other helpful information is available for free, 24/7, on the Clerk of Court website at www.clerk.org.

Schools, colleges and universities

Check with schools for further changes.

• Volusia County Schools: Schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
• Stetson University: Undergraduate classes are canceled from Wednesday through Friday.
• Bethune-Cookman University: Issued a mandatory campus evacuation on Monday. Classes resumed remotely online Tuesday.
• Palmer College of Chiropractic: All facilities, services and clinics will be closed Wednesday and Thursday
• Daytona State College: All classes and activities will be canceled Wednesday and Thursday at all campuses.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Classes are canceled Wednesday through Friday.

Hospitals

• Hospitals and medical centers are not special needs shelters.
• All Volusia County hospitals are preparing for the storm, securing supplies and planning staffing needs. They will remain open before, during and after the storm.

For other closures, visit www.volusia.org/PIN.
 

Sandbags

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

Public information

Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 24/7 beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The CIC will remain open until further notice.

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