- September 24, 2024
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Tropical Storm Helene is projected to be upgraded to a hurricane on Wednesday while in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to make landfall in the Big Bend or Panhandle region on Thursday as a category 3 hurricane.
Volusia County has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch by the National Weather Service and is bracing for significant weather impacts on Thursday. National Weather Service forecasts predict sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. Rainfall is expected to accumulate between 4-6 inches, accompanied by storm surges as high as 3 feet. Conditions will begin to deteriorate tomorrow with escalating wind gusts and rain, hazardous ocean conditions, and an increased possibility of tornados on Thursday.
"This storm's sheer scale means that even its fringes can be severe," Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham said. "While we might not be in the direct path, the outer bands are capable of causing significant disruptions, and residents should take this seriously and prepare accordingly."
Volusia County will conduct another sandbag distribution event tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach. Several municipalities will also host sandbag distribution events in their areas tomorrow. Volusia County Schools announced the cancellation of all after-school activities for Wednesday, excluding the Extended Day program, and a closure of all schools and district offices on Thursday.
Volusia County is in continuous communication with state authorities and the National Weather Service. Residents are urged to stay informed by downloading the new Volusia Emergency Management app, available on the App Store and Google Play. The app provides real-time weather alerts, important news updates, safety tips, and information on sandbag distribution locations. Residents should follow Volusia County's social media accounts for more updates and visit www.volusia.org frequently to stay informed about the storm.
