Emergency Operations Update: Heaviest impact coming to Apopka this evening

From the City of Apopka Emergency Operations Center

Hurricane Irma update:

The City of Apopka’s Emergency Operations Center is monitoring Hurricane Irma and is prepared to respond with police, fire and public services during and after the large storm.

The hurricane’s heaviest impact on this area will occur into this evening, so residents are encouraged to stay sheltered in a safe location and to closely monitor local weather alerts.

Call 911 only for emergencies. For storm questions, contact the City of Apopka at (407) 703-1690.

A tornado watch is in effect until midnight for all of Central Florida. Be aware that tornadoes could develop and be ready to take immediate action. Heavy rain is expected to cause flooding in some areas. High winds could damage structures and down trees.

Orange County's mandatory curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. today through 6 p.m. Monday. Stay inside during this period and do not drive on the roads.

Residents in manufactured homes are under mandatory evacuation and should seek safe shelter immediately.

If you need to get to a public emergency shelter, do it before 7 p.m. today. The shelter at Apopka High School is full – please go to Apopka Memorial Middle School at 425 N. Park Ave. Make sure to bring daily necessities, medications and other supplies that will serve you for at least three days. Pet friendly shelters are located at Barnett Park Community Center, 4801 W. Colonial Dr. in Orlando, and the Bithlo Community Center at 18501 Washington Ave. in Orlando. For a full list of Orange County shelters, visit www.ocfl.net/irma.

Apopka City Hall and other non-emergency municipal offices are closed through Monday, Sept. 11, for Hurricane Irma. City offices will re-open Tuesday, Sept. 12.

All entrances and restrooms at the Northwest Recreation Complex are closed until Tuesday, Sept. 12.

There will be no solid waste pickup on Monday if severe weather conditions prevail in the morning. If so, those residential collections will be made at the next scheduled pickup on Thursday. Residents should not put garbage or yard waste on the curb during the storm.