FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Emergency Management in Flagler County says evacuation orders will go out sometime Wednesday for families and businesses on the barrier island ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole.
Emergency Manager Jonathan Lord urged people in Zone A, east of the intercoastal, to leave Tuesday night or first thing Wednesday morning.
“We urge residents to take this storm very seriously,” Lord said.
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The storm is taking aim at Florida’s central coast, where the beaches have already taken a beating after Hurricane Ian hit in late September.
Lord said due to the previous damage to the dunes, there is a real risk of significant coastal impacts. The county is most concerned about beachfront property and any structures that rely on dunes.
“Homeowners need to understand their risk,” Lord said. “They are not totally gone in all areas, but there’s less ability for them to absorb the impact of this storm.”
Other concerns include strong winds, storm surge and possible flooding.
Sandbags were available for families at Bay Drive Park Tuesday. News 6 spoke to families stopping by to get theirs. They said they were also getting other essentials together, like water and food.
Lord said he expects the county will see less rain than during Hurricane Ian, but still a significant amount.
An emergency shelter will open Wednesday at Rymfire Elementary School — at 1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32164.
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