- May 1, 2024
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An evacuation order for all people living in Zones A, B and F, as well as flood-prone areas, mobile homes and RV parks, will be in effect starting noon today. Evacuations should be completed by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news conference Monday morning that, while it's not illegal to stay, he highly recommend residents leave. This is the strongest storm he said he's seen in his lifetime, and bridges will close when wind speeds hit sustained 45 mph.
“If you haven’t left the barrier island by that point, you’re stuck," Staly said.
A curfew will be in place for the mentioned evacuation zones starting Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Hurricane Dorian is currently battering Grand Bahama island and moving slowly westward at 1 mph, stated the 11 a.m. National Hurricane Center advisory. The hurricane is then forecasted to move "dangerously close" to Florida's east coast late Monday through Wednesday evening. Maximum sustained winds have dropped slightly to 155 mph, and it is now a category 4.
“This is a monster that nightmares are made of," said Flagler Beach Chief of Police Matthew Doughney, who urged residents to heed warnings and evacuate.
Shelters will open at noon today. Bunnell Elementary (305 N. Palmetto St.) will open for general population and pets and Rymfire Elementary (1425 Rymfire Drive) for special needs only. There is a four-pet maximum for Bunnell Elementary, and livestock and exotic animals are not allowed. Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and turtles. Animals should be crated, have current vaccination records and supplies. You cannot drop off your pet at the shelter and then leave.
Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said residents should start seeing impacts from Dorian by Tuesday evening.
“That provides enough time in case the storm changes speed that people can be sheltered safely," he said.
Lord said the reason Flagler waited to issue an evacuation order is that counties like St. Johns and Duval have a higher population and need more time to evacuate compared to Flagler.
Flagler schools have been canceled through Thursday, and scheduled School Board meetings and workshops postponed. Flagler County government offices will be closed Tuesday.
