- September 26, 2024
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Residents are encouraged to stay home as Volusia County is expected to experience its most significant impacts from Hurricane Helene Thursday evening through early Friday morning. As of this evening, the county has experienced minimal rain and occasional wind gusts. A Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch, and Tornado Watch are still in effect for Volusia County.
The National Weather Service is now projecting the county to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain with peak tropical storm-force winds to exit the area between 5 and 7 a.m. However, there is now an increased possibility of tornados.
Staff from the Coastal Division assessed the beaches earlier this evening and reported minimal damage and sand loss. Officials are optimistic that favorable wind conditions will continue to reduce the storm’s impact beginning at high tide around midnight this evening. Staff will conduct another beach assessment early tomorrow morning to restore beach access as soon as conditions permit.
First responders, public works, tree crews, and other damage response teams are on standby, ready to address any overnight issues. Once it is safe to do so, these teams will also assess and begin restoration efforts at daylight.
The Emergency Operations Center will remain operational throughout the night and into Friday, continuously assessing the storm’s impact. All County operations, including libraries, are set to resume standard business hours on Friday.
The county extends its thoughts to the Big Bend and Panhandle areas, now bracing for Helene’s landfall. Volusia’s emergency teams stand ready to provide mutual aid to the severely impacted counties. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by downloading the Volusia Emergency Management app, following Volusia County on social media, subscribing to the county newsletter, and visiting www.volusia.org for the latest updates.
