YouTube download / AP video / Hurricane Dorian is now a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to continue strengthening over the weekend. Forecasters expect Dorian to become a major hurricane Friday and make landfall on Florida's east coast sometime between Sunday and Monday (Aug. 30).
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Don't wait until the last minute to prepare yourself for Hurricane Dorian because it's expected to be a whopper of a storm when it makes landfall Sunday or Monday somewhere along the East Coast of Florida, if not most of the Atlantic coastline.
Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald and Emergency Management Director Jim Judge provided updates on Hurricane Dorian’s movement and Volusia County’s preparations during a news conference today.
Here are the hightlights:
“Dorian is still a very strong hurricane at 150 mph, with 8 mph forward speed,” Judge said. “The storm is projected to stay to the east of Volusia County, but we are by no means out of harm’s way.”
Volusia County can expect 40 to 50 mph tropical storm force winds for eight to 12 hours or more on Tuesday and Wednesday, Judge said, adding, the county could receive wind gusts of 55 to 60 mph and 4 to 8 inches of rain in most areas. The coast and some low-lying areas could receive 10 to 12 inches of rain.
“We still have three days before the storm makes its way up to our area,” Judge said. “There is a 100-mile error cone to the projected path, so it could move a little further east or west. We could get stronger winds than are currently forecast.”
Emergency Management staff continues to monitor the storm’s progress and remains in close contact with the State Emergency Management Office, National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service regarding conditions in Volusia County.
County Manager Recktenwald stressed that Dorian is still expected to have major impacts on Volusia County. “I need to reiterate that this is a slow-moving storm and it’s days away, so there is still a chance for it to switch paths," Recktenwald said. "Even 10 miles east or west can make a difference in conditions in Volusia County. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, continue to watch the forecasts, and keep your preparations in place. There is a 100-mile cone of uncertainty, so it could easily be right up against our coast. Either way, we’re going to have nasty weather on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
County Manager George Recktenwald stressed that Dorian is still expected to have major impacts on Volusia County.
“I need to reiterate that this is a slow-moving storm and it’s days away, so there is still a chance for it to switch paths," Recktenwald said. "Even 10 miles east or west can make a difference in conditions in Volusia County. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, continue to watch the forecasts, and keep your preparations in place. There is a 100-mile cone of uncertainty, so it could easily be right up against our coast. Either way, we’re going to have nasty weather on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Based on today’s forecast and the slowing approach of the storm, the county has made some adjustments to its preparations.
-
Mandatory evacuations may be ordered Monday, Sept. 2. This order will be for residents who live on the beachside and in low-lying areas and RV and mobile homes throughout Volusia County.
-
Shelters will open at 10 a.m. Monday. A list of shelters can be found at www.volusia.org/pin.
-
When shelters open, Votran will provide free transportation along regular service routes, as well as to shelters.
-
Beachfront parks and vehicle access ramps will remain open Sunday. Other county parks will be open Sunday and Monday.
-
Libraries will be open normal hours on Sunday, Sept. 1. They will be closed Monday due to Labor Day.