FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Ahead of the storm approaching the Florida coast later in the week, Flagler County officials are preparing early by opening a sandbag distribution location for the barrier island.
The storm is expected to bring elevated winds and higher tides and surf. Officials predict that the Intracoastal Waterway will see about a foot above normal, and the beach and dunes will be impacted significantly.
Recommended Videos
“Hurricane Ian has significantly impacted our Atlantic Coast dune system,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “We know we are going to suffer some impacts from this storm, and we want residents to be as prepared as they can be.”
Officials also said mainland Flagler County can possibly experience some flooding but will not be heavily impacted by the storm.
Residents can pick up the sandbags at the following location on Tuesday:
- Bay Drive Park – 30 Bay Drive, The Hammock – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until supplies are gone
Residents are limited to 10 sandbags per household.
Residents and businesses on the barrier island – from the Volusia County line to the St. John’s County line – should be prepared to evacuate as early as Wednesday morning.
“At this time, it is expected that Flagler County will see conditions similar to what we saw with Hurricane Ian, to include coastal flooding and power outages but with less rainfall and therefore less inland flooding,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “If we call for evacuations, we will open a shelter.”
On Tuesday afternoon, county officials announced the closure of all beach access points and dune walkovers effective immediately until Nicole passes.
“We kindly ask for everyone to please stay clear of these access areas until they reopen them after the storm,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “We want everyone to be safe, and there are definitely going to be stronger winds and higher surf than what we are used to experiencing.”
Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt announced Tuesday that schools in the district will have an early release Wednesday, Nov. 9, and classes and all campus or district activities for Thursday, Nov. 10, are canceled. Friday, Nov. 11, remains a holiday in observance of Veterans Day.
RELATED: Here’s what we know about school closures for Nicole
Other recommendations for preparation include:
- Make a Plan – Talk to friends and family about how communicating before, during, and after a potential storm will work. Have a primary, secondary, and possibly even a tertiary plan for where to go in the event of an evacuation. Consider staying with family or friends outside of the evacuation area in addition to hotels or motels.
- Build a Kit – Gather supplies necessary to be “Off-the-Grid” for a week after a disaster for everyone in the home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have. The kit should include food, water, medications, clothing, cash (as credit card/ATM machines may not work), radios, batteries, generators/fuel. Portability is key should evacuation be required.
- Protect Property – Secure outdoor items that could take flight in a strong wind, including loose tree limbs. Prepare window and door protection, such as shutters, should they need to be installed.
- Sign up for Alert Flagler at www.flaglercounty.gov/alertflagler, to receive timely emergency notifications.
FEMA is also closing the temporary Disaster Recovery Center at the Flagler County Fairgrounds from Wednesday, Nov. 9-Friday, Nov. 11, in preparation for the storm.