- January 14, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Volusia County Emergency Management has announced mandatory evacuations for everyone living on the beachside, low-lying areas and those living in RVs, mobile and manufactured homes.
This is based on the current storm track, which has moved slightly west and predicts Hurricane Irma will enter South Florida at a Category 4 before weakening into a Category 3 as it traverses straight up the peninsula. According to the National Weather Service Melbourne, Volusia County will begin to see tropical storm winds of 39-74 mph Saturday night. On Sunday, the county is expected to experience Category 3 hurricane winds of about 111 mph for approximately six hours.
Irma is expected to bring a three to six foot storm surge, which will be between low and high tide, as well as eight to 12 inches of rain, with some areas receiving as much as 15 inches.
Volusia County Emergency Management said conditions will not begin to improve until about midday Monday.
For those wanting to leave the area, Volusia County Emergency Management has given the green light for people to leave as soon as possible. However, roads are congested and they warn people may not be able to go far. Volusia County Emergency Management suggests people to consider public shelters; you can find a list of all activated ones in the county here.
Volusia County Emergency Management wants everyone to be at their destination by 8 p.m. Saturday.
Something else to keep in mind is that a countywide curfew will be instated at 4 p.m. Sunday. The bridges will be closed as conditions deteriorate, which officials believe will happen between 6-9 a.m. Sunday after winds surpass 39 mph.
After Hurricane Irma, law enforcement will determine when to safely open the bridges again. If the damage affects access, those who live beachside will need to present a photo ID and a utility bill or other document to prove their residency.
