Dorian now a Category 5 hurricane; Volusia still in zone for possible hit

By
Staff Writer
-
0
39
<p></p><p></p>

[responsive-slider id=2123]

Read out latest story here.

View previous updates on Hurricane Dorian here.

For up-to-date information on shelter locations, sandbag locations and more, visit Volusia County’s Public Information Network here, or call the county’s information hotline at 866-345-0345 

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 9:16 p.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From the Florida Department of Transportation:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;OCOEE, Fla. &amp;ndash; Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the suspension of tolls on Florida&amp;rsquo;s Turnpike Mainline, and selected toll roads across the state, in preparation for Hurricane Dorian. By suspending tolls, residents and visitors will be able to quickly and safely evacuate if necessary. The tolls suspension is in effect and includes the following:&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Alligator Alley&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;The Turnpike Mainline (SR 91), including the Homestead Extension (SR 821)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Beachline Expressway (SR 528)&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;SR 417 – Eastern beltway around Orlando from I-4 in Osceola County to I-4 in Seminole County.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;SR 429 – The Daniel Webster Western Beltway from I-4 in Osceola County to US&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;441 in Apopka.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;I-95 Express Lanes&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;I-595 Express Lanes&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;I-75 Express Lanes&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;p&gt;Service plazas along Florida&amp;rsquo;s Turnpike mainline will be open for travelers; however, the plazas do not serve as hurricane shelters. As the storm approaches, restaurants and fuel stations will be closed and Turnpike personnel evacuated.&lt;/p&gt;” id=”ae6fc3c4-a4ad-44ae-bc2f-28f2902eaa8e” style-type=”update” title=”Governor DeSantis Directs the Suspension of Tolls” type=”relcontent”}}

 Continue following The Beacon for more on this story as we get it.  

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 5:56 p.m.

Council Chair Ed Kelly issued an order of evacuation for parts of East Volusia County, beginning 10 a.m. Monday.

STATE OF EMERGENCY.jpg
STATE OF EMERGENCY.jpg

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 3:18 p.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From Volusia County Commu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;nity Information:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;The Volusia County Council has issued an emergency curfew from 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, for cities and unincorporated areas east of the Halifax River.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;According to Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley, the curfew is being implemented to protect and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people of Volusia County.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;The restriction does not apply to authorized public safety personnel.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; ” id=”7c4d259f-35a4-40d2-994b-8d3e4de6931c” style-type=”update” title=”Volusia County Council issued emergency curfew” type=”relcontent”}}

Continue following The Beacon for more on this story as we get it.  

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 2:30 p.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Volusia County Emergency Management doubled-down on urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid hurricane fatigue at a 1 p.m. press conference today, as Hurricane Dorian continues on an uncertain path.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;County Chair Ed Kelly cautioned residents not to take yesterday&amp;rsquo;s eastward shift in the storm track as evidence that the county was out of danger.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;Twenty-four hours ago, everyone was giddy,&amp;rdquo; Kelly said. &amp;ldquo;Be preparing for the worst-case scenario. Be prepared that it could make landfall. Be prepared that it may hug the coast.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;The storm is dangerously close to the coast, and continues to increase in size in strength,&amp;rdquo; County Manager George Recktenwald said. &amp;ldquo;This is one of the most powerful storms we&amp;rsquo;ve ever seen in this area. Even the slightest shift left could make a world of difference for us.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Officials expect a hurricane warning to be announced for Volusia later today, and anticipate tropical-force winds on Tuesday, although gusts and squall-like conditions could impact the area as early as Monday. They also warned that the timing is uncertain.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;One thing about this hurricane, is that it has been consistently inconsistent,&amp;rdquo; County Emergency Director James Judge said.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Because of the uncertainty, Sheriff Mike Chitwood has not announced whether there will be a curfew, although one can be expected in areas with mandatory evacuation orders.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Chitwood had a strong warning for criminals who might take advantage of the situation to rob closed shops or unoccupied homes.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;ldquo;Penalties are enhanced &amp;mdash; they are a felony of the first-degree,&amp;rdquo; Chitwood said. &amp;ldquo;And I personally am going to make sure that when you are arrested, that you spend time in state prison.&amp;rdquo;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Dorian currently has sustained winds of 185 mph, with recorded gusts of 220 mph. According to the National Weather Service, Dorian made second landfall on Great Abaco Island at 2 p.m., and is now tied with the unnamed 1935 Labor Day hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane landfall on record.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Tropical-force winds now extend 140 miles from the eye of Dorian.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Residents should finalize their plans and hurricane prep by Monday night.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important info:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Shelters will open at 10 a.m. Monday&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Votran will provide free transportation on regular routes and to shelters. To arrange transportation for those with disabilities in West Volusia, call 386-943-7050.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;A mandatory evacuation order is planned at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, for those on the beachside, or in low-lying areas, RVs and mobile homes.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;If you are in one of these areas and have a place to go, you don&amp;rsquo;t have to wait until the evacuation order is issued to leave.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt; &lt;p dir=&quot;ltr&quot;&gt;Daytona Beach International Airport will be open Monday. However, the airport does not function as a shelter.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;” id=”6235d9d9-3132-4941-ba5c-ccfc78e7b0b1″ style-type=”update” title=”Threat increasing to east coast of Florida. Be where you want to be by Monday evening.” type=”relcontent”}}

Continue following The Beacon for more on this story as we get it.  

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 1:04 p.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;div id=&quot;js_1m&quot; class=&quot;_5pbx userContent _3576&quot; data-testid=&quot;post_message&quot; data-ft=&quot;{&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;From Volusia County Schools:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Schools are closed Tuesday (Sept. 3), Wednesday (Sept. 4) and Thursday (Sept. 5). All shelters will open Monday, September 2, 2019 at 10am. All school related activities on or off campus are cancelled through Thursday.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_3x-2&quot; data-ft=&quot;{&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;” id=”027359bb-cb30-4ff8-bfb6-86d982d07718″ style-type=”update” title=”Volusia County Schools announce closure” type=”relcontent”}}

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 11:34 a.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;div class=&quot;_5wd4 _1nc7&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;._1dlq _h8t&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_5wd9 direction_ltr clearfix&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_1e-x _n4o&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_3_bl&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_5w1r _3_om _5wdf&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_4gx_&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_1aa6&quot;&gt; &lt;div&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;_5yl5&quot; data-mce-mark=&quot;1&quot;&gt;Hurricane Dorian should move closer to the Florida east coast late Monday through Tuesday night. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 180 mph (285 km/h), with higher gusts.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_40qi&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_5wd4 _1nc7&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;._1dlq _h8t&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_5wd9 direction_ltr clearfix&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_1e-x _n4o&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_3_bl&quot;&gt; &lt;div class=&quot;_3_bp&quot;&gt;Dorian has grown larger in size. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 45 miles (75 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles (220 km). Ham radio reports indicate that Hope Town in the Abacos just reported wind gusts to 100 mph.&lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;” id=”73670451-86bb-42b4-ad68-c0e34ae63c80″ style-type=”update” title=”Dorian now strongest Hurricane in modern records for the Bahamas” type=”relcontent”}}

UPDATE: SEPT. 1 10:20 a.m.

{{tncms-inline content=”&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;UPDATE: SEPT. 1 10:20 a.m. – Dorian increases in power&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Latest data from the National Hurricane Center indicates Hurricane Dorian has increased maximum wind speed to 170 mph with wind gusts in excess of 200 mph.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Dorian is currently reaching the Abaco Islands, and the center of the storm is about 210 miles east of West Palm Beach, Florida.&lt;/p&gt;” id=”98f5327b-c6a2-4d39-8ad4-4f155c5d997e” style-type=”update” title=”Dorian increases in power as it approaches Florida” type=”relcontent”}}

View previous updates on Hurricane Dorian here.

As of 8 a.m. today, Sept. 1, Hurricane Dorian has strengthened to an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

A direct hit is to Volusia County is still possible.

The county emergency operations center and Citizens Information Center are fully activated, and will be open for 24 hours starting tomorrow .

The most likely arrival time of dangerous winds is now Monday night to early Tuesday.

Residents should have full hurricane preparations in place today, with evacuation plans finalized, especially for those who live on the coast, in low-lying areas, or in mobile homes and trailers.

County officials may announce mandatory evacuations for those areas Monday, Sept 2.

Continue following The Beacon for more on this story as we get it. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here