From the Orange County Newsroom
WEATHER UPDATE
Orange County is under a Hurricane Warning, with an elevated threat of tornadoes. Residents should shelter in place until the storm has passed. The county is currently under a local state of emergency, and a state and federal state of emergency.
Potential Weather Threats:
- Tropical Storm Force winds 45-65 mph
- Up to 8-12 inches of rain in parts of Orange County
- Increased risk of tornadoes
TORNADO RISK
Due to the elevated threat of tornadoes, residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts. The National Weather Service has three key alerts to watch out for regarding tornadoes.
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.
FLOODING RISK
The National Weather Service predicts that Orange County may receive 8-12 inches of rain between today and Friday, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the central and western parts of the county. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for potential flooding and possible evacuations.
The Orlo Vista/Westside Manor area is expected to experience significant roadway and yard flooding as local water bodies are near capacity. The following areas are at risk:
- Ronnie Circle, Murry Drive, Livingston St., Mandrake St., Pearlwood St., Pine Hills, and Dover St.: Roadway flooding is expected.
- Washington St. and Oak Branch Ave. (Oak Crest Mobile Home Park): Street and yard flooding are anticipated as Lake Orlo and nearby canals approach critical levels. No structural flooding is predicted at this time.
- Additional areas at high risk of flooding include any area within a FEMA 100-year floodplain.
Residents in these areas should remain alert, avoid flooded roads, and prepare for possible evacuations if conditions worsen. Stay updated through official channels and follow safety recommendations.
SHELTERS
The following locations have been opened for individuals looking to shelter from the effects of Hurricane Milton. Locations include:
General Population
Persons with Special Needs
The Orange County shelter at Colonial High School has reached capacity. Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter should dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111. For important information on what to bring to a shelter, visit ocfl.net/shelters.
GARBAGE AND LANDFILL
Garbage: Orange County Utilities will not collect residential curbside garbage, yard waste, recycling, and large items on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. Any customers who have items out today should secure those items inside or near a structure until after the storm passes.
Customers with Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday garbage collection should set out their carts by 6 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. Haulers will service these customers on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12.
Regular collection services will resume on Monday, Oct. 14. Due to public health and safety concerns stemming from emergency conditions, only residential garbage in the green lid carts will be collected when curbside collection resumes.
Landfill and Transfer Stations: Facilities will be closed to the public Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. The facilities will reopen when conditions are safe, which is planned for Friday, Oct. 11.
BOIL WATER UPDATE
A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory has ended for Old Cheney Highway, Lake Pickett and the Chuluota area in east Orange County.
POWER OUTAGES
Residents are asked to be prepared for prolonged power outages. When possible, report outages to your electric provider in Orange County.
- Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018
- Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
- Winter Park Utility: 877-811-8700
GENERATOR SAFETY
Although generators are extremely useful tools during a power outage, they can also be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. Review these important generator safety tips to keep your family safe.
- Review the owner’s manual and follow all instructions.
- Never use generators indoors or in partially enclosed spaces.
- Never run a generator in areas where people or animals are present.
- Always connect a generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Never store fuel for your generator in your house.
- Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance such as a stove or water heater.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down.
For more information on generator safety, visit ocfl.net/storm.
CLOSURES
Orange County Government: County offices are closed from Wednesday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 11.
Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Courthouses are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 11.
Orange County Public Schools: Schools are closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 11.
LYNX: As of 3 p.m. today, LYNX transportation services have been discontinued until further notice, including ACCESS LYNX services.
