Brewing storm could cause more coastal damage

Posted On: November 4, 2022

With high and low pressure systems expected to collide over the Atlantic Ocean this weekend, coastal residents – still reeling from Hurricane Ian’s destruction – can expect high winds, significant rainfall, crashing waves and extremely high tides for several days.

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 is attached to this news release.)

A low pressure system churning south of Puerto Rico is expected to intensify and move toward Florida’s coast this weekend. Residents throughout the county can expect 1 to 3 inches of rain through Wednesday; the forecast for Thursday and Friday is unknown at this time. Meanwhile, winds will slowly increase with gusts up to 35 mph expected.

According to county officials, the storm will follow a slow, methodical progression over several days. Ocean wave run-up is expected to reach the dune line, possibly causing further erosion and additional damage to seawalls and coastal buildings.

Coastal residents are urged to take necessary precautions and consider moving to a safer location as soon as possible because storm impacts are expected to begin this weekend.

Residents are urged to stay off the beach for at least a week due to the dangers presented by wind, high surf and damaged beach structures. 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.

Additional flooding along the St. Johns River is also a concern because persistent winds and rainfall could slow or even stall the decline in river levels.

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

The county has disseminated a social media video advising the public of beach and coastal dangers. Members of the news media can access b-roll footage at

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzaz24cj85mxx0t/VolusiaToday_Beach%20Impacts_Coastal%20v4%20VNR.mp4?dl=0.