Hurricane WARNING and storm shelters

Alert Indian River

A Hurricane Warning has been issued for all of IRC and County Administrator John Titkanich has signed a proclamation declaring a Local State of Emergency.

The following Storm Shelters will open at 2:00pm today (10/8):
Freshman Learning Center (Pet-Friendly) – 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach.
Oslo Middle School – 480 20th Avenue SW, Vero Beach
Sebastian River Middle School – 9400 County Road 512, Sebastian
Fellsmere Elementary School – 50 North Cypress Street, Fellsmere
The Special Needs Shelter will open at 8:30 tomorrow (10/9) and is located at:
Treasure Coast Elementary School (8955 85th Street, Sebastian) This shelter requires registration.
A press conference from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been scheduled for 1:30pm today. Reporters can access the press conference live on Comcast Government Channel 27 or the Indian River County YouTube channel at: https://youtube.com/live/zuD82vk10gM.

Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere
within this area within the next 48 hours

WIND
LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Tropical storm force wind gusts
Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 60 mph
THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 73 mph
The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
storm force.
PREPARE: Efforts to protect life and property should now be
underway. Prepare for significant wind damage.
ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind
becomes hazardous.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with
damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few
buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door
failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.
Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
Scattered power and communications outages, but more
prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
STORM SURGE
LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
Window of concern: Wednesday evening until Thursday evening
THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
The storm surge threat has increased from the previous
assessment.
PLAN: Plan for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot
above ground.
PREPARE: Efforts should now be underway to prepare for
storm surge flooding, especially in low-lying vulnerable
areas.
ACT: Take actions to protect life and property. Prepare to
leave if evacuation orders are given for your area.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along
immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas
farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore.
Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become
overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous
in places where surge water covers the road.
Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes,
mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents.
Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks,
boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from
moorings.
FLOODING RAIN
LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally
higher amounts
THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for
moderate flooding rain
The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
are possible.
PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area
vulnerable to flooding.
ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations
and rescues.
Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with
swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places,
especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams,
creeks, canals, and ditches overflow.
Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken
foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas
of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and
poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on
moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow.
Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge
closures.
TORNADO
LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
tornadoes
The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for a
few tornadoes.
PREPARE: If your shelter is particularly vulnerable to
tornadoes, prepare to relocate to safe shelter before
hazardous weather arrives.
ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
quickly.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
power and communications disruptions.
Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings