The City of Apopka strongly encourages residents to prepare today for Hurricane Matthew – an extremely dangerous storm projected to cross east of Central Florida on Friday, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain and potential flooding to this area.
As of 11 a.m. today, the center of the Hurricane Matthew is predicted to make landfall in Merritt Island around 8 a.m. Friday. The center should move slowly north to Jacksonville by 8 p.m. Friday. The storm currently is very strong with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
Establish safe shelter and ensure that you have provisions, food, water and medical supplies for several days in case of significant weather damage. As weather worsens into tonight, stay off local roads.
Here is what to expect in Apopka through Friday afternoon:
- Apopka High School, 555 Martin St., will open as a general population public shelter at 1 p.m. today. The shelter is available to those who have no other safe lodging alternatives. Please bring food, clothes and limited necessities. No pets. Apopka police officers are on site for security.
Use this link for more information about shelters in Orange County.
- The city’s Emergency Operations Center will be staffed beginning at 3 p.m. today and throughout the Hurricane Matthew event. An information update will be released shortly after 3 p.m. today.
- City offices are closed beginning at noon today and all day Friday. That includes administrative services at City Hall, Utility Billing, Public Services and Recreation. For emergencies, dial 911. For Orange County’s Emergency Management office, dial 311 on your cell phone. Apopka will have representatives ready to answer questions about city services at (407) 703-1690.
- The city has provided about 7,000 sandbags so far, and supply is running low. An extra 2,000 bags are expected after 1 p.m. today and will be available through 7 p.m. at the Public Services facility located at the corner of South Highland Avenue and East 8th Street. Limit 10 bags per customer.
Use this link to get information about the Orange County Sandbag locations.
- The City will collect garbage as scheduled today. No collections will be made Friday, but service will resume Saturday if weather and conditions permit. An informational update will be released Friday.
- City recreational facilities will be closed Friday. The Northwest Recreational Complex will be closed until Monday. No recreational programs will be hosted.
- Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off city streets during Friday’s severe weather. Afterward, drivers should avoid areas with flooding and fallen trees. Residents are asked to please take exceptional care near possible downed electric utility lines.
- For additional emergency information about services available throughout Orange County, please visit Orange County Emergency Management online at www.ocfl.net/storm.
