Volusia County Emergency Management Monitoring Tropical Storm Eta

DeLand, FL – As Tropical Storm Eta swirls in the Gulf of Mexico, Volusia County Emergency Management is monitoring the weather. The system is the twenty-eighth named storm of the 2020 season. Emergency Management officials are communicating closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and National Weather Service Office in Melbourne with Eta’s northward movement and the effects of the low pressure system to its north. “Right now, in an effort to prepare for windy conditions, residents should take a walk around their homes and take down wind chimes, flags and hanging plants, and move trash cans and lawn furniture indoors,” Said Jim Judge, Volusia County’s emergency management director. “Even small changes in Eta’s track could make a difference with how the storm affects Volusia County, so it’s always good to remain prepared.” Beach Safety and Coastal divisions have pulled trash cans and port-o-lets from the beach. Due to the expected high and rough surf, toll booths havew been pulled higher on ramps and toll attendants will likely be sent home today (November 8) in advance of the 1:49 p.m. high tide.  The biggest impacts are expected along the coast, with current projections of two to four inches of rain and winds of 35-45 mph with gusts 40-50 mph on Sunday night into mid-day Monday. Volusia County Emergency Director Kevin Captain says that residents can prepare and stay informed by downloading the Volusia County EM app, available free on the Google Play or App Store. The app features weather alerts and current conditions, preparedness checklists, links to county sites, locations of the nearest open shelter and sandbags locations, evacuation information, push notifications and more. Residents can also follow Volusia County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates related to Volusia County.