UPDATE 6:00 P.M.:

With projections nearly unchanged, effects of Hurricane Idalia are expected in inland Volusia County tonight into Wednesday morning. Tropical storm force winds (between 39-57 mph) in gusty squalls with will hit Volusia as Idalia moves to its closest point to east-central Florida overnight. Expect sudden bursts of wind and rainfall as bands of Hurricane Idalia move through the area.

Tornadoes are a threat tonight through Wednesday. 

Volusia remains under a tropical storm warning.

Wednesday was already projected to be windy, hurricane or no, and Idalia may exacerbate conditions.

On the coast in addition to effects from Idalia, Hurricane Franklin moving in the Atlantic Ocean will manifest to coastal residents in storm surges and dangerous rip currents.

UPDATE 11:30 A.M.:

Projections are increasingly confident that Idalia will make landfall Wednesday morning near Apalachee Bay in the Big Bend of Florida as a powerful Category 3 hurricane. 

Wind speeds for Volusia County are expected between 39-57 mph, and a tropical storm warning remains in effect. Volusia County Schools have canceled classes for Wednesday, Aug. 30.

UPDATE 11 A.M. — Volusia County Schools to close Aug. 30.

Volusia County Schools will cancel classes and all other events and programs Wednesday, Aug. 30, as Hurricane Idalia approaches Florida.

“At this time, we anticipate students will be able to return to school on Thursday, Aug. 31,” Volusia County Schools Community Information Specialist Danielle Johnson said in a statement. “However, we will continue assessing the situation and provide an update by midday on Wednesday.”

UPDATE 10 A.M. — Idalia strengthening, now projected westward toward Florida’s Big Bend

Idalia has strengthened overnight, and is forecast to become an extremely dangerous major hurricane before landfall on Wednesday. 

The currently-Category 1 hurricane is moving north-northeast with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The inner core, or eye, has organized, setting the stage for Idalia to rapidly intensify in the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters before making landfall on Florida’s west coast Wednesday. Currently models have the hurricane — expected to be Category 3 by landfall — slightly westward compared to earlier projections.

Preparations should be nearing completion this morning ahead of local tropical storm conditions by tonight and into Wednesday. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake, Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard counties.

Volusia County residents should be prepared for gusty winds, sudden torrential rainfalls, and dangerous rip currents and storm surge along the coast.

Idalia will make its closest pass to east-central Florida late tonight and early Wednesday morning, continuing northeastward during the day on Wednesday, according to the local National Weather Service. Wednesday will be a windy day, even outside of squalls.

The Beacon will update this page as more information becomes available.

SANDBAG INFORMATION FOR WEST VOLUSIA — for countywide information, click HERE.

Unincorporated Volusia

Road & Bridge has set-up self-service sandbag stations at 2 locations.  Bags, dirt, and shovels will be available for residents.  The stations will be open from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday..

Road & Bridge — DeLand facility, 2560 W. SR-44, DeLand

Road & Bridge — Osteen facility, 200 SR-415, Osteen

Residents can also pick up pre-filled sandbags at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Road, Daytona Beach, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29. There is a limit of five bags per vehicle. 

County residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 for additional information.

DeBary

Tuesday 8 a.m.-8 p.m — DeBary Town Hall parking lot, 12 Colomba Road, 

Please bring your own shovel and proof of DeBary residency. Bags and sand will be provided. Maximum of 10 bags per household.

DeLand

Tuesday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. — Parking lot south of Melching Field, 601 South Woodland Boulevard 

Sand and bags will be on site. Please bring your shovel and ID for proof of residency. There will be a limit of 10 bags per residence.

Deltona

Two sandbag locations will be open Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd.

Day Road Location, 2931 Day Road

Self-service — bags are provided, but no shovels.

Deltona residents with additional questions can contact the city’s Citizen Information Center by phone at 386-878-8510.

Orange City

7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday — Waggin’ Trail Dog Park, 1201 S. Leavitt Ave. 

Residents should bring a shovel and identification and fill their own bags. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. ID is required.

Orange City’s website will continue to update with additional information. 

Shelters

Shelters operated by Volusia County and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County are at these locations:

— Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave. in DeLand (general population and pets)

— Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (individuals who lack permanent housing)

— Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive in Daytona Beach (special needs shelter)

The Bridge at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, 421 S. Palmetto Ave. in DeLand will open to the community at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Clients may remain inside throughout the day and may stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning. 

All shelters will accept pets. Those staying with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies, including a leash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water, and food.

Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient.

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Necessary items include:

— Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, and water or other non-alcoholic beverages

— Bedding

— Ear plugs

— Extra clothing

— Medications and medical supplies

— Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs oxygen shelter

— Toiletry items

— Flashlight and batteries

— Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities

— Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards

— Volusia County Community Information

In addition, SunRail service has been suspended. Click HERE for more information.