- April 23, 2024
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Hurricane Ian’s effects in Flagler County could be similar to the flooding caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Flagler County Emergency Operations Director Jonathan Lord said.
Flagler could experience winds in excess of 40 mph as early as 4 p.m. Wednesday and continue into Friday. The storm could dump 10 to 15 inches of rain on the area and cause a coastal surge of 4 to 5 feet, Lord said. Isolated tornadoes are a threat. Sometimes tornadoes spin faster than emergency officials can issue a warning, he added.
On Tuesday morning, Flagler County issued a press release recommending all residents who live east of I-95 to be prepared to evacuate. On Tuesday afternoon, Lord reduced the recommendation to county residents and businesses in:
At a news conference at the Emergency Operations Center that also included Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and representatives from the county’s municipalities, Lord said the EOC will issue an evacuation order no later than Wednesday. The order will include opening times for emergency shelters.
Bunnell Elementary School will be the shelter for general population and pets, and Rymfire Elementary will serve as the shelter for medical and special needs.
Staly said a curfew order will likely coincide with the evacuation order.
“It’s still under discussion by the policy group that will meet again tomorrow,” Staly said. “Volusia County already ordered a curfew starting (Wednesday night at 8) and going to 7 a.m. the following day for the next three days.”
Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson said the westbound lanes will remain open on the bridge. But if you’re returning to the barrier island during an evacuation order you will need to show identification to proceed.
“We will make every effort to keep the bridge open unless sustained winds go above 45 mph,” Whitson said.
Lord said Flagler County will most likely experience tropical-storm force winds, likely in the higher range of about 58 mph.
“But we cannot rule out that it will be a low-end Category 1 in the lower 70s (mph). The Weather Service can’t rule that out,” he said.
Staly said every deputy and dispatcher is on a 12-hour shift with days off canceled.
“Our high water vehicles and boats are ready to respond in the event of an emergency or rescues need to be done,” he said.
Staly said professional support employees will be manning the Flagler County phone hotline 24 hours a day.
“For the criminal element, don’t try to prey on our community,” he said. “I have plenty of bed space for you at the Green Roof Inn or the County Jail. Just because there might be a lot of rain, you’ll just go to jail wet.”
Lord stressed that once an evacuation order is given, it won’t be canceled until the storm passes. So be ready to evacuate when the order is given. Don’t try to hedge your bets, he said.
“One thing I can almost guarantee will happen in any tropical system,” he added. “It may for a minute or may be for days. You’ll lose your electricity. You’ll lose your internet, and you’ll lose cell phone coverage for a period of time. One of the things we rely on is traditional FM radio. We have a partnership with Flagler Broadcasting, 94.9 and 1550 am. They do focus on Flagler County.”
STORM INFORMATION
Flagler County Schools will be closed Wednesday through Friday. All extracurricular activities, including sporting events, are canceled through Friday. Saturday’s SAT testing at Matanzas High School has been moved to Oct. 15.
No garbage pickup on Thursday and Friday.
Bunnell Elementary School will serve as a general population and pet shelter. Rymfire Elementary School will serve as a medical and special needs shelter.
Flagler Beach city offices will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday and reopen on Monday, Oct. 3.
Bunnell facilities and offices will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday and reopen Monday.
Palm Coast municipal offices closed at noon Tuesday and will reopen on Monday.
Courthouse operations with the 7th Judicial Circuit, Supervisor of Elections and Property Appraiser will be closed Wednesday and will tentatively reopen Monday.
All Tax Collector offices closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Monday.
Check for updates at palmcoast.gov; flaglercounty.gov; Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyGovernment; Facebook.com/FlaglerEOC; Twitter.com/FlaglerEOC; Instagram.com/FlaglerEOC
Or call the EOC at 386-313-4200.
