- April 18, 2024
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Although the track of Hurricane Dorian has shifted several times over the last few days, Flagler County officials are warning residents to remain vigilant.
(To hear the full press conference, visit WNZF's SoundCloud link.)
The hurricane has since strengthened to a Category 5 storm with sustained wind speeds of 160 mph, according to an advisory by the National Hurricane Center.
Speaking at a press conference at the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said he expects storm watches and warnings to pop up in the next day or so, and the community's shelters should be open by Tuesday, Sept. 3.
"Heed the warnings," said Lord, who noted that the area may experience effects similar to Hurricanes Irma and Matthew. "Please do not become complacent... . Please remain prepared and remember those impacts we saw during those storms."
“Well, here we go again," City Manager Larry Newsom said.
Lifeguards will be on-duty at the beach on Sept. 1-2.
However, facilities will not be open on Sept. 3-4, including garbage pickup. There will be a garbage pickup on Sept. 2 or Class 1, household garbage.
In addition, the city will work closely with its businesses to combat the effect of the storm.
“The businesses in Flagler Beach have been through a lot in the last few years," Newsom said. "We want them to get back on track as soon as possible.”
Sheriff Rick Staly said that Flagler County Jail inmates have assisted in filling about 15,000 sandbags for residents. Sunday, Sept. 1, is the last day the inmates are assisting, with the operation ending at 3 p.m.
Staly recommended that Sunday should be the final day for filling sandbags — if you need them.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputies will be on Alpha-Bravo shifts by Tuesday. FCSO personnel have also been assisting with the county's call center around the clock.
“The sheriff’s office is prepared for anything that Dorian can throw at us," Staly said.
Flagler Beach Chief of Police Matthew Doughney said that the Flagler Beach Bridge remains open and will only be closed when sustained winds reach 45 mph. If the bridge closes, when it reopens, residents must present proper identification.
If a curfew is put in place, it will be done so by the FCSO.
Flagler Schools has been in close coordination with the EOC and it will be ready to assist with shelter space as soon as the county calls for it.
Rymfire Elementary will serve as the special needs shelter, and Bunnell Elementary, which is pet-friendly, will serve the general population.
