(This story has been updated with new information and photos)
Residents and local governments are preparing as Hurricane Milton proceeds on a path that could send it south of Volusia County after hitting the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.
As of 8 p.m., Milton was a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of nearly 180 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was traveling at 10 mph just north of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and heading east where it was expected to reach the Gulf Coast of Florida sometime on Wednesday.
The impacts are already here, with heavy rainfall and a risk of flooding starting today. The risk of strong to damaging winds, flooding and tornadoes will get higher on Wednesday as the storm arrives.
Need sandbags for Milton? Here's where to get them in Volusia-Flagler
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National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. update: Milton is 'extremely serious threat'
The National Hurricane Center said during its 8 p.m. update that Hurricane Milton remained a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane north of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. While it was moving east at 10 mph Monday night, its winds remained near 180 mph with some even-higher gusts.
As it moves east, it is expected to remain "extremely dangerous" as it turns the north and northeast on Tuesday and arriving somewhere on Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday morning. The hurricane is projected to weaken as it moves across Florida's peninsula, with winds projected at between 70 and 80 mph in the Volusia-Flagler area.
Volusia County will require evacuations on the barrier island east of the Intracoastal Waterway and in other select locations starting Wednesday morning, when shelters will open.
− Mark Harper
Cinematique will close; 'Andy Warhol' screening canceled
Two entertainment/art closures due to Hurricane Milton:
- The mostly volunteer Cinematique of Daytona on Monday afternoon revised its previous announcement regarding Hurricane Milton to state it will now be closed both Wednesday and Thursday. The nonprofit independent movie theater is at 242 S. Beach St. in downtown Daytona Beach.
- The Southeast Museum of Photography has canceled its two-part screening of "Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film," that had been set for Wednesday and Thursday night. The museum, located at Daytona State College, has not announced plans for a rescheduling.
− Clayton Park & Mark Harper
Flagler County announces sandbag availability for Tuesday
Flagler County's emergency management department posted on Facebook a list of locations where sand and bags will be available for self service on Tuesday morning. The county advises sand-seekers to bring a shovel. Here's a rundown:
- For countywide residents, there are two locations. Hidden Trails Community Center, 6108 Mahogany Blvd., Bunnell, and Bay Drive Park, 30 Bay Drive, The Hammock. Both will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Sheriff's Office will provide assistance between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- For Flagler Beach residents: Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, 915 North Central Ave., starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday as long as sand and supplies last.
- For Palm Coast residents: Indian Trails Sports Complex, 5455 Belle Terre Parkway, starting at 8 a.m.
- For Bunnell residents: Behind Coquina City Hall, 200 block of South Pine Street, starting at 11 a.m.
Hurricane Watch in effect in Flagler, Volusia counties
The National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Watch for Volusia and Flagler counties within minutes of each other shortly after 5 p.m. Monday. That means residents can expect to see hurricane-force winds within 48 hours.
Coastal Flagler County is also under a flood watch through Thursday afternoon, according to the weather service. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, according to the National Weather Service station in Jacksonville.
− Mark Harper
Volusia County orders evacuations starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday
Volusia County's emergency manager says Hurricane Milton − which was still building steam near the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, but expected to proceed toward Florida's Gulf Coast and across the state over the next two days − is a "substantial threat."
Clint Meacham, Volusia County's emergency management director, was part of a news conference given by county officials Monday afternoon and had this advice:
"Take the threat of this very, very seriously. Take the opportunity to protect your property, but above all we want you to protect your lives."
Starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the county will evacuate all areas east of the Intracoastal Waterway, all manufactured and mobile homes, all low-lying areas and places prone to flooding and all campsites and RV parks.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood also pledged to enforce curfews starting at 8 p.m. Wednesday and likely through 8 a.m. Thursday.
− Sheldon Gardner
No word yet on Daytona Beach International Airport closures
Joanne Magley, spokeswoman for Daytona Beach International Airport, on Monday reported that so far there have been no decisions by the airlines serving the Volusia County-run airport to cancel or postpone flights this week because of Hurricane Milton. That may change, however, as the hurricane gets closer to making landfall in Florida and predictions of its potential track over Central Florida become more certain.
− Clayton Park
Daytona State College will close on Friday, too
Updating an earlier closure plan, Daytona State College is now saying it plans to close all of its campuses in Volusia and Flagler counties through Friday. "All classes, including in-person and online, will be canceled," a DSC news release states. The school will be closed starting Tuesday.
− Mark Harper
7 shelters will open in Volusia schools, at fairgrounds
Volusia County Schools announced Tuesday it will open shelters for Hurricane Milton evacuees at six schools, while the Volusia County Fairgrounds will also host a pet-friendly site. All sites will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, hours before the storm's worst effects are expected. Here's what people should bring, and below are the locations.
General population:
- Mainland High School, 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd.(pet friendly)
- Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange
- University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City
- DeLand High School, 800 N. Hill Ave, DeLand,(pet friendly)
- Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3050 E. New York Ave., DeLand (pet friendly)
Medically fragile population only:
- Hinson Middle School, 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd, Daytona Beach
- Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona
− Mark Harper
Volusia schools will be open on Tuesday, district clarifies
Volusia County Schools offers this clarification following Gov. Ron DeSantis' news conference Monday afternoon.
"For anyone using Gov. DeSantis's press conference this afternoon listing the school districts that will be closed tomorrow, he misspoke in including Volusia on this list. Everything stated in our last update is still accurate: early release on Tuesday and closed on Wednesday and Thursday."
− Mark Harper
All courthouses to close within Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit
With the approach of Hurricane Milton, all courthouses will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday in the 7th Judicial Circuit, which covers Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
First appearances, detention hearings, and shelter hearings are included in the closings, according to David Hunt, a spokesman for 7thCircuit Court Administration.
Regular court operations may resume on Friday, weather and conditions permitting, Hunt wrote.
Information will be made available atwww.circuit7.org, on social media and at the following numbers:
- 386-313-4552 (Bunnell)
- 386-257-6031 (Daytona Beach)
- 386-626-6573 (DeLand)
- 386-329-0895 (Palatka)
- 904-827-5670 (St. Augustine)
− Frank Fernandez
Port Orange, New Smyrna pre-filled sandbags update
New Smyrna Beach started Monday with 11,000 pre-filled sandbags. By 3 p.m., they were gone, according to a city news release.
The city will continue to make bags and sand piles available to residents who can fill their own bags. The sand pile is located on the grass field on the south side of the football stadium off Turnbull Bay Road and will be open 24 hours per day.
Residents are asked to bring their own shovel and are limited to 15 bags per resident.
Meanwhile, Port Orange officials announced on Tuesday afternoon its sandbag operations have closed and will not reopen Tuesday.
− Mark Harper
Downtown Daytona coffeeshop hopes Esplanade mitigates flooding
One downtown Daytona Beach business hard hit by flooding in past hurricanes is the independently owned Sweet Marlay’s coffeeshop at 214 S. Beach St. That business was sold in July to a family from New Jersey who have changed its name to Serra Doce, a coffee shop that now also sells Portuguese Brazilian-style pastries and sandwiches. Mario Santos who relocated from New Jersey to manage the shop for his sister and brother-in-law said this will be his first hurricane. “Somebody did mention to us that this whole thing was underwater a few years ago (after hurricanes),” he said on Monday. “I understand that the new park across the street (the Riverfront Esplanade) is supposed to mitigate flooding.” Nevertheless, Santos said he has sandbags ready to be placed in front of the front and back entrances and expects to close on Wednesday when Hurricane Milton is expected to sweep through the area. “I’m monitoring the hurricane closely,” he said.
− Clayton Park
Volusia County will expand, continue sandbag operation on Tuesday
1:54 p.m. Volusia County has a self-service sandbag site until 5 p.m. today at Fire Rescue Station 45 at the St. Johns Station at 2580 W. State Road 44 in DeLand.
A drive-thru, pre-filled sandbag site will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Volusia County Branch Jail at 1300 Red John Drive in Daytona Beach.
The county will also provide self-service sandbag distribution sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the following locations:
- Fire Rescue Station 22, Oak Hill Station, 213 N. U.S. Highway 1, Oak Hill
- Fire Rescue Station 23, Turnbull Station, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
- Fire Rescue Station 34, Indian Mound Station, 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Osteen
- Fire Rescue Station 45, St. Johns Station, 2580 W. State Road 44, DeLand
The limit is 10 sandbags per resident. People must bring shovels to the self-service sites and should avoid blocking fire station bays.
The county sandbag sites are open to all Volusia residents, even people who live in an incorporated town or city. Proof of residency is required.
― Sheldon Gardner
Flagler County schools to close Wednesday through Friday
1:25 p.m. All Flagler County Schools will be closed Wednesday through Friday. All activities will be canceled on Wednesday and Thursday. A decision regarding the cancellation of activities on Friday is to be determined, and the district will communicate any additional updates directly to families.
― Mary Ellen Ritter
Palm Coast declares state of emergency, issues updates
1:15 p.m. Mayor David Alfin on Monday signed a proclamation declaring a local state of emergency for Palm Coast.
Flagler County and Palm Coast can expect Tropical Storm-force conditions with the possibility of Category 1 Hurricane conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon through Thursday midday with strong winds and 10-12 inches of rain.
For information on closures and other city updates, go to palmcoast.gov.
― Frank Fernandez
Flagler County: Evacuations could be ahead; residents should prepare
12:45 p.m. Evacuations could be ahead in Flagler County over the next two days, but no evacuation orders have been issued yet, according to a county news release.
Residents in the following neighborhoods should be ready in case of an evacuation order, and all residents should be prepared for the storm:
- Residents living in mobile homes and RVs countywide.
- Coastal and island communities from the St Johns County Line to the Volusia County line and Marineland through Flagler Beach.
- Mainland Communities:
- South of SR-100 (Moody Boulevard):
- Neighborhoods off John Anderson Highway.
- Neighborhoods off Palm Drive.
- Bulow RV Park & Homes off Old Kings Road.
- Polo Club West/Sweetbottom Plantation properties along Lexington Court/Ashland Way and that back up to Bulow Creek.
- Between SR-100 (Moody Boulevard) and Palm Coast Parkway
- Neighborhoods off Lambert Avenue.
- Marina Del Palm properties along the Intracoastal Waterway/basin.
- In Palm Coast Plantation, properties off South/North Riverwalk Drive.
- North of Palm Coast Parkway:
- Properties within Princess Place.
- South of SR-100 (Moody Boulevard):
― Sheldon Gardner
Flagler Emergency Management director: Make final preparations today
Flagler Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said residents and businesses should make final preparations today. That includes:
- Getting supplies such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights and medications.
- Discussing emergency plans with family, including where to go and how to communicate if separated.
- Securing property from loose items that could become projectiles in high winds and ensuring windows are secured.
- Checking the Potential Hurricane Evacuation Zones by going to flaglercounty.gov/emergency and clicking on Hurricane Evacuation Zones.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County opens Citizens Information Center, will hold press conference
12:16 p.m. Volusia County residents with storm-related questions can call the Volusia County Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 until 5 p.m. today. More hours will be announced for the coming days.
"The CIC serves as an essential resource for information on safety protocols, evacuation routes, and community support services during Hurricane Milton," according to the county.
County government officials from Emergency Management and the Volusia Sheriff's Office will host a press conference at 4 p.m. today about preparations and possible impacts. The event will be streamed live on the county of Volusia's Facebook page.
Volusia County is coordinating with state officials and the National Weather Service to assess potential local impacts from the storm.
For updates, residents can go to volusia.org or download the Volusia Emergency Management app.
― Sheldon Gardner
Flood watch in effect in Flagler; 'battering surf,' erosion possible in Volusia
12:01 p.m. A flood watch is in effect in Flagler County until 6 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service is predicting 6-12 inches of rainfall or higher.
"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," according to the alert.
Volusia County is under a flood watch until 8 a.m. Thursday.
"5 to 10 inches of rain are forecast from near Orlando to Melbourne and points northward, with 3 to 6 inches to the south of that line including the Treasure Coast," according to the National Weather Service. "Locally higher amounts will be possible, especially along the coast and near to north of the track of Milton."
"Battering surf," coastal flooding and beach erosion are possible, especially along the Volusia and Brevard coasts.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County Schools to close Wednesday and Thursday, early release planned Tuesday
11:35 a.m. All Volusia County schools will let out one hour earlier than their regularly scheduled release times Tuesday, and all schools and district offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday.
All after-school activities, except for Extended Day Enrichment Programs, will be canceled Monday and Tuesday. All after-school activities, including Extended Day Enrichment Programs, will be canceled Wednesday and Thursday.
The Volusia County Schools Board has rescheduled its workshop from Tuesday afternoon to 10 a.m. Tuesday, and its regular meeting has been moved from Tuesday evening to 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Information regarding changes to Friday's schedule will be communicated as soon as it is available, and information about making up instructional days will be communicated in the future. The district is encouraging families to keep tabs on their emails, the district's social media accounts and the Volusia County Schools' Storm Resource Center webpagefor updates.
― Mary Ellen Ritter
The emergency declaration in some Florida counties allows residents to get prescriptions early
11:14 a.m. Because the governor has declared a state of emergency, Volusia and Flagler residents can get early refills.
"Under a State of Emergency, a pharmacist may be able to refill prescriptions early," according to the Florida Department of Health. "In accordance withsection 465.0275 (Florida statute) pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day supply of maintenance medication for a chronic condition. However, a 30-day prescription for a medicinal drug listed in Schedule II appearing in chapter 893 is not permitted under section 465.0275."
― Sheldon Gardner
Daytona State College, other schools, closing this week
10:52 a.m. Daytona State College will join other area colleges and universities in closing this week.
DSC announced it will close its campuses across Volusia and Flagler counties from Tuesday through at least Thursday for Hurricane Milton. Following the storm, the college will reassess its situation and announce plans to reopen.
Stetson University in DeLand has announced it, too, will close from 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Because it had already scheduled a fall break for Thursday and Friday, classes won't resume until Monday, Oct. 14.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has already begun closing and will remain so through Friday. "We strongly encourage students to make arrangements to leave campus now," the university posted on its website. "Stay with family and friends if you are able."
― Mark Harper
Daytona Beach resident: 'I am concerned, but I'm not panicking'
10:28 a.m. Shoppers calmly bought supplies at the Bellair Plaza Publix on Monday morning in Daytona Beach, and the store appeared to be well-stocked with essentials including water and toilet paper.Daytona Beach beachside resident Sherry Phillips said she and her husband have her mom and aunt living with them. They can’t evacuate, but they are prepared, she said.
“I am concerned, but I’m not panicking. I’ve got my generator going, I’ve got my plastic out, I’ve got my mulch to put across my plastic, I’ve got my chlorine bottles. I’ve got my pool’s draining. I’m good," she said.
Retired firefighter Joe Hernandez, who also lives on the beachside in Daytona, said he stopped by Publix to pick up groceries but not because of the hurricane.
“I’ve been through 30 of these,” he said. “Hopefully it’s just going to be a rain event.”
― Clayton Park
Are you in an evacuation zone? Find out here
10:04 a.m. Florida residents can find their evacuation zone by going to floridadisaster.org/Know and searching the Know Your Zone Map.
Evacuations have not been ordered in Volusia or Flagler counties.
― Sheldon Gardner
City of Edgewater offers free sandbags, could change council meeting date
9:50 a.m. Two sandpile locations are open 24 hours a day for city of Edgewater residents at Hibiscus Drive and 26th Street in the parking lot of the Edgewater Fire Rescue Association Fire Hall and at Mango Tree Lake at 901 Mango Tree Drive.
Residents should bring their own shovels and bags outside of staffed hours at the Mango Tree Lake location, according to a Facebook post from the city. The Hibiscus Drive site won't be staffed, so people will need to bring shovels and bags to that site.
People can buy bags at home supply centers or use double-bagged, heavy-duty garbage bags.
The Mango Tree Lake location will be staffed for sandbag distribution until 6 p.m. today and from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The limit is 10 bags per household, and proof of Edgewater residency is required.
The time or date of the City Council meeting scheduled for tonight could change. Trash and recycling are being picked up on their normal schedules today, and city offices are open.
For storm updates, go to cityofedgewater.org.
― Sheldon Gardner
Daytona Beach Shores offers sandbags until 4:30 p.m.
9:38 a.m. Daytona Beach Shores residents can get free sandbags until 4:30 p.m. today at the Shores Community Center, located at 3000 Bellemead Drive in Daytona Beach Shores. The limit is 10 bags per resident. People need to bring ID for proof of residency.
For information call the Community Information Center at 386-763-5334, which will be available until 4:30 p.m.
― Sheldon Gardner
City of Daytona Beach offers free sandbags
9:31 a.m. Daytona Beach residents can get free sandbags until 3 p.m. today at Bethune Point Park at 11 Bellevue Ave. in Daytona Beach. People should bring shovels to fill the bags. The limit is 10 bags per vehicle.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County Schools cancels after-school activities today, monitors Hurricane Milton
9:16 a.m. All after-school activities except for Extended Day Enrichment Programs planned for today have been canceled.
Volusia County Schools is monitoring Hurricane Milton and communicating with Volusia County Emergency Management. The district plans to provide an update today about possible school closures.
For information go to vcsedu.org/community/storm-resource-center.
― Sheldon Gardner
DeBary offers sandbags today
9:06 a.m. City of DeBary residents can get up to 10 sandbags per household until 6 p.m. today at a self-serve site at City Hall at 12 Colomba Road, while supplies last and weather allows. Proof of DeBary residency is required. The distribution is for households only and not businesses. People should bring their own shovels and helpers.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County chairman: 'The (likelihood) of massive flooding is high'
8:54 a.m. Volusia County Chairman Jeff Brower urged residents to prepare for Hurricane Milton in a Facebook post on Monday morning:
"This storm is coming. The (likelihood) of massive flooding is high. Please prepare your home, move to (higher) ground in a safe (building), stock up with food and water for 5 days. Pray for the storm to weaken."
― Sheldon Gardner
Cinematique of Daytona to close Wednesday
8:42 a.m. Cinematique of Daytona, an independent movie theater at 242 S. Beach St. in Daytona Beach, will be closed Wednesday as a precaution. The theater will hold an extra showing of the movie "Coup!" at 7 p.m. on Monday instead, and that will be the theater's final showing of the film.
― Clayton Park
City of Deltona extends sandbag operation
8:32 a.m. Deltona residents can get free sand and sandbags until 5 p.m. today atFestival Park at 191 Howland Blvd., weather permitting.
People must fill their sandbags and bring proof of residency. People should also bring shovels and a helper if possible. City employees will help residents who can't fill their bags.
The limit is 10 bags per household.
― Sheldon Gardner
City of DeLand opens free sandbag site for residents
8:20 a.m. City of DeLand residents can get sandbags from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today in the parking lot south of Melching Field at the corner of South Woodland Boulevard and Hubbard Avenue.The limit is 10 bags per residence. Residents must bring their IDs for proof of residency.
For information go to deland.org/hurricane or follow the city on social media.
― Sheldon Gardner
SunRail service to be suspended starting Tuesday
8:09 a.m. The Florida Department of Transportation is suspending SunRail starting Tuesday and expects the suspension to last at least through Thursday depending on the impacts of Hurricane Milton, according to a news release from the department.
Crews will prepare the railway corridor before the storm, including securing railroad gates and removing longer gates; storing and inspecting trains and securing equipment.
SunRail will reopen after crews inspect and prepare the corridor.
For information go to sunrail.com.
― Sheldon Gardner
County floodplain management meetings postponed
8:01 a.m. Volusia County's Emergency Management Division has postponed its "Local Mitigation and Floodplain Management Planning" meetings that had been scheduled for today and Tuesday. The county hasn't announced new dates yet.
― Sheldon Gardner
New Smyrna Beach declares state of emergency
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Fred Cleveland declared a state of Emergency in New Smyrna Beach "to allow for work without adherence to regular procedures and to invoke emergency-related mutual-aid assistance," according to a Facebook post on Sunday by the city police department.
“Periods of locally heavy rainfall and risk of flooding exists through the middle of next week,” Cleveland said in a Facebook post. “Now is the time to prepare. Stay safe!”
The state of Florida has issued a state of emergency for 51 counties, including Volusia and Flagler.
The city of New Smyrna Beach is staging equipment such as stormwater pumps, generators and high-water rescue vehicles throughout the city.
Residents should secure outdoor items and have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine available for at least 72 hours.
Non-emergency city offices and public facilities in New Smyrna Beach will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The New Smyrna Beach City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
Sandbags are available for New Smyrna Beach residents (proof of residency required) while supplies last today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday via the drive-through service lane north of the Sports Complex football stadium at 2335 Sunset Drive.
Sandbag piles and fillable bags are available for self service at the grass field south of the stadium 24 hours a day until further notice. The limit is 15 bags per resident (bring a shovel and proof of residency).
― Sheldon Gardner
Evacuations are possible in Flagler County on Tuesday; sandbag sites available
Flagler County government officials are urging residents to prepare for impacts, and sandbag locations will open today.
“On Wednesday, we expect to see tropical-storm-force winds ― potentially hurricane-force ― coastal flooding and inland flooding due to heavy rains,” Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said in a Facebook post on Sunday. “We urge all of our residents to complete preparations, on Monday, as if a Category 1 Hurricane is approaching our area.”
Evacuations might be ordered on Tuesday for people in mobile homes and RVs, people living on the island from Marineland to Flagler Beach and people who live on the Intracoastal Waterway.
People should prepare their properties for strong winds by securing loose and light outdoor items that could become projectiles. People should also make sure their disaster kit is stocked with enough supplies to last seven days.
Flagler County residents who aren't able to buy their own sandbags can get up to 10 per household at the following times and locations (bring your own shovel):
- 10 a.m. to sunset today at the Hidden Trails Community Center at 6108 Mahogany Blvd in Bunnell.
- 10 a.m. to sunset today at Bay Drive Park at 30 Bay Drive in The Hammock.
Sandbag times and locations for city of Flagler Beach residents (bring your own shovel):
- Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church at 915 N. Central Ave. will be open today starting at 9 a.m.
- The Flagler Beach Fire Station at 320 S. Flagler Ave. will be open today starting at 9 a.m.
Sandbag times for city of Palm Coast residents (bring your own shovel. The limit is 10 per household):
- The Indian Trails Sports Complex at 5455 Belle Terre Parkway will be open starting at 8 a.m. today.
For storm and preparedness information, go to FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency or call 386-313-4200 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
― Sheldon Gardner
Volusia County under flood watch, Flagler under coastal flood advisory
All of east central Florida, including Volusia County, is under a flood watch until 8 a.m. Thursday. Residents are urged to stay out of the ocean because of life-threatening rip currents. A coastal flood advisory is in effect in Flagler County until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
"Preparations ahead of Milton's arrival should be completed by the end of the day Tuesday," according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
A no-wake zone is in effect along the St. Johns River to protect properties from flooding due to boat wakes.
― Sheldon Gardner
Free sandbag sites are open today as Hurricane Milton approaches
In a Sunday Facebook post, Volusia County government officials said residents should be ready to see widespread power outages and rainfall totals between 6 to 8 inches or more in some areas.
Local governments around the county are making preparations, and residents should check with their local governments to find more sandbag locations.
Volusia County will offer a free drive-thru sandbag location to all residents (whether they live in a city or the unincorporated area) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Volusia County Branch Jail at 1300 Red John Drive in Daytona Beach. Free self-service sandbag distribution will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following fire stations:
- Station 22, 213 N. U.S. Highway 1, Oak Hill
- Station 23, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
- Station 34, 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Osteen
The limit is up to 10 sandbags per resident at each location. People should bring a shovel and avoid blocking fire station bays. People must bring proof of Volusia County residency.
People can find more sandbag locations and other updates through the Volusia Emergency Management app.
― Sheldon Gardner
