- April 18, 2024
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The following is adapted from news releases from the National Weather Service and Flagler County:
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northern Flagler County until 5:45 p.m.
At 5 p.m., National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing quarter-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. These storms were located along a line extending from 7 miles north of Hastings to
palm Coast and moving north at 15 mph.
In addition to large hail and damaging winds, continuous cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately! Lightning is one of nature’s number one killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Report severe weather or damage to the nearest law enforcement agency or your county emergency management.
Rain provides a much needed lull In fires
Rain Friday night provided a much needed stall in the relentless persistence of wildfires in Flagler County.
Two to three inches of rain fell on the Espanola Fire, the largest of 16 fires currently active in Flagler County. A storm cell thwarted by the afternoon sea breeze stalled over the fire and cooled it down. In addition no new fires were reported in Flagler County as of Saturday morning.
Firefighters took full advantage of the lull provided by the rain and increased operations Saturday to hopefully to provide a knockout punch to the flames. The Division of Forestry’s Red Team added 35 additional firefighters to their ranks to bring the total to 210. Flagler County Fire Rescue had approximately 55 personnel on duty and they were augmented by additional firefighters from Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach.
On Friday, Flagler County’s Public Works Department worked with the city of Palm Coast to clear areas ahead of the Espanola fire. Officials were concerned the fire might advance to major power lines that cross Flagler County from north to south. A total of 11 loads of fire retardant were also dropped west of the power lines as an added measure of protection.
Daytona North man warned for burning leaves
In Daytona North subdivision in western Flagler County, an individual was spotted burning leaves in his yard and was issued a warning. A warning is the first step under Flagler County’s fire ban. The second offense is a $500 fine. The ban also outlaws the sale of fireworks.
