Hurricane Isaias Update

Key Takeaways for Hurricane Isaias | July 31, 2020

WEATHER PROJECTIONS

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency for all of the Florida’s east-coast counties, including Orange County.

A hurricane watch has been issued for neighboring coastal counties, which means there is about 48 hours before those areas start to feel tropical-storm-force winds.

Based on the latest projections for inland areas, Orange County anticipates the potential for wind and rain late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. However, the timeline and those conditions could change as the storm approaches.

For more information about severe weather, continue to follow local news media and Orange County Government on Facebook, Twitter and its online newsroom.

STAY PREPARED

Residents are urged to stay prepared before any major storm. For a list of resources and preparedness tips, including generator safety, building a hurricane kit and more, visit ocfl.net/storm.

Residents who require special needs transportation assistance should pre-register through Orange County’s Special Needs Program by calling 311, or filling out the application online at ocfl.net/PSN.

ORANGE COUNTY STANDS READY

Orange County Government and its Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor the path of Hurricane Isaias, and remain in direct communication with our state and local partners, as well as the National Weather Service.

• Shelter: Given the current path of the storm, community shelters have not been opened. If shelters need to open, capacity will be expanded to better accommodate social distancing due to COVID-19. Currently, 84 percent of the County’s hotels are open and ready to assist those from coastal areas who are seeking shelter inland.
• Office of the Fire Marshal: The County’s team has been in communication with all 108 assisted living facilities in Orange County to ensure they are prepared for possible inclement weather and to identify any unmet needs for the facilities.
• Stormwater Management Division: The County’s team is proactively monitoring and assessing stormwater drains, canals and ponds, as well as other sites in anticipation of rainfall across the County.
• Public Works: Equipment to remove debris is ready to deploy if needed. The County has extended its free, self-serve sandbag giveaway until Saturday, August 1, 2020. For locations, hours of operation and more hurricane preparedness information, visit net/Storm.