Seminole County is under a tropical storm watch as projections show Hurricane Idalia hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 Hurricane with 125 mph winds.
The storm is expected to weaken as it moves across the state. Megan Tollefsen, meteorologist at the National Weather Service local forecast office in Melbourne, said that based on current forecasts Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs can expect to experience effects from the storm’s outer bands, including isolated storms, by Tuesday afternoon.
Sustained winds of 25-35 mph and wind gusts up to 45 mph are forecasted for Wednesday. A total of 2-3 inches of rain is expected in east Central Florida from the storm with possible locally higher rainfall, between 4-5 inches, in the Oviedo and Winter Springs area.
Emergency Operation Center Director Alan Harris said folks should prepare for power outages and cell phone disruptions. As for suggested preparations, he said to bring in lawn furniture and any outdoor items that would be picked up by strong wind. He said to also be sure to have plenty of food and water in the home.
Tollefsen said she expects the storm to move through the area quickly.
“The greatest threats are somewhat northward at this point. But we will be pretty gusty here and we’ll see a good amount of rain,” Tollefsen said, adding that folks should finish up their storm preparations before Tuesday morning.
Local sandbag filling station information by municipality
Winter Springs
- Sandbag filling station hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29
- Location: Central Winds Park, 1000 Central Winds Drive
- Empty bags and sand will be available to Seminole County residents while supplies last.
- Limit: 15 sandbags per household
- Bring your own shovels, gloves
- Be prepared to fill and load the bags
Oviedo
- Sandbag filling station hours: The station will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 but a closing time is yet to be announced.
- Location: Public Works Facility, 1655 Evans St.
- Enter and exit the facility off of Evans street. The Lockwood Boulevard access will be closed for the duration of the sandbag operation.
- The city acquired a sandbag filling machine. Staff will be there for assistance.
- For folks who want to self-serve, shovels will be available for use.
Seminole County
- The above locations are the only ones in Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs as of 3 p.m. Monday. For additional Seminole County sandbag locations, click here.
Seminole County Public Schools
Seminole County schools, Valencia College and Seminole State College will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30. This includes extra curricular activities.
According to SCPS spokesperson Katherine Crnkovich, school buses cannot safely be operated if sustained winds exceed 35 mph.
Find OCN’s Local Disaster Resource Guide here.
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