- January 18, 2025
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The storm track keeps moving, and residents should take this time to prepare, said Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower during a press conference on Hurricane Ian on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
"Don't get complacent because it looks like it might not be as dangerous as what you expected," he said. "We don't know. Things are very fluid."
Hurricane Ian, a Category 3 storm with sustained winds of 125 mph, is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday and is projected to move northeast across the state. Jim Judge, interim director of Volusia County Emergency Management, said that the county anticipates the storm will slow down significantly after making landfall — as much as 5 to 6 mph.
"So that means it's going to be over us for quite a period of time," Judge said.
Potential sustained winds from 40-50 mph are anticipated, and residents should begin to see those begin around 3 p.m. on Wednesday and continuing as late as 6 p.m.
"There can be additional changes as the as the storm moves up the coast, but we do anticipate that it will lose some strength and weaken somewhat as it comes up again through the middle of the state and potentially impacting Volusia County," Judge said.
There is also a potential for 1-3 feet of storm surge along Volusia County. The beach will be flying a red flag over the next few days. There will be no driving on the beach for the duration of the storm.
The Volusia County Council issued a countywide curfew due to the hurricane. The curfew will be in effect from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, through 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, and 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29 through 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30.
The curfew doesn't apply to members of law enforcement; employees of business, industries or government entities while traveling from their jobs; and all emergency workers.
Those who violate curfew could face a fine of up to $500.
"We don't need you out there in the height of the storm being a sightseer and snapping selfies," Chitwood said. "We need you to be a responsible resident of our community."
Shelters will open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28. The general population shelters will be located at Mainland High School, 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd.; and DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave. The special needs shelters will be located at Atlantic High School, 1259 Reed Canal Road; and Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave.
All four will accept pets. Bring supplies for yourself and your pet, if the latter applies.
