From the Orange County Newsroom
Orange County released the following information this afternoon related to Hurricane Helene:
Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect for all East Central Florida. Orange County is under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. this evening. Hurricane Helene has a very large wind field. Strong winds are the biggest concern in Central Florida, and in the coming hours we will see conditions deteriorate.
The forecast calls for:
- Sustained winds of 25-35 mph (gusts up to 45-55 mph)
- 1-2 inches of rain, but it could be more in some areas
GARBAGE COLLECTION
At this time, curbside collection of garbage, yard waste, recycling, and large items is expected to resume on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. A reminder: since curbside collection service was interrupted on Thursday, the makeup day for those customers will be Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Updates will be announced online at www.ocfl.net/UtilitiesStormInfo.
POWER OUTAGES
Several power outages have been reported throughout the County. 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
SHELTERS
More than 80 residents are currently in shelters in Orange County. Both the General Population shelter and the two Special Needs shelters are scheduled to close tomorrow morning.
OPENINGS
- Orange County Government: Resume regular operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
- Orange County Landfill and Transfer Stations: Resume regular operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, or when conditions are safe to do so.
- Orange County Public Schools: Resume regular operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
- Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Resume regular operations tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
- Central Florida Transportation Authority (LYNX): LYNX bus service is operating today, but they are closely monitoring sustained winds. If winds reach 35 mph or higher, LYNX will halt service, as buses cannot operate safely under those conditions.
ASSISTING OUR NEIGHBORS
- Utilities: Orange County Utilities plans to send 14 staff members, including electricians, mechanics, and technicians, to Tallahassee for reciprocal aid tomorrow morning.
- Fire Rescue: Task Force 4, a state asset specializing in search and rescue, medical support, communications, and damage assessment, is activated and awaiting deployment missions. Orange County’s MARC 5 unit, which establishes communications through a portable radio tower for emergency teams operating in a disaster zone, has already deployed to Ocala to await deployment orders.
