Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to reach hurricane strength overnight, and while currently projected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida, will still have far reaching impact throughout the state, including to Orange County and Horizon West. The forecast cone provided by the National Hurricane Center only provides information regarding the track and intensity of the storm, and does not represent impacts regarding winds, storm surge, flooding, or heavy rain.

To get prepared, residents can still take advantage of tax-free storm supplies, which runs through September 8. Items such as generators, tarps, batteries, fire extinguishers, coolers, flashlights, and more are currently tax free. View the full list on our Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday page. Many items are also still available through Amazon.com with overnight delivery.

Impact from the storm to Horizon West may include:

• 35-45% chance for tropical storm force winds at 25-35 mph, as well as gusts at 45-55 mph
• Heavy rain of 2-3 inches, with possibility of 4-5 inches in localized areas
• Possible isolated tornadoes

County Agency Updates:

• Fire Rescue: Crews are canvasing nursing homes, assisted living facilities and mobile-home parks to ensure emergency plans are in place.
• Public Works: Pumps, drain lines, generators for traffic singles, as well as areas prone to flooding have been assesses for potential storm activity.
• Utilities: Pump Stations, water reclamation and other operational facilities are being monitored to ensure power and maximum water storage is available. Solid waste pickup, transfer station services and the landfill are operating as normal. Staff will be monitoring weather activity for Tuesday and Wednesday operations.
• Public Schools: School will be open on Tuesday. After-school programs on Tuesday must end by 8pm. A decision on the cancellation of school for Wednesday will be made Tuesday morning after the National Weather Service update. The primary decision point for any potential closure is if sustained wind speeds exceed 35 mph, which is the threshold for buses to operate safely on the roads. Current projected sustained wind speeds for the western parts of Orange County may exceed 35 mph.

Sandbags

Orange County: Free, self-service sandbag program at select parks. Residents will receive 10 unfilled sandbags per household and will need to bring their own shovel or filling tool. Sites will operate today, Monday, Aug. 28, from 12 to 7 p.m., and Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., pending severe weather.

• Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
• Meadow Woods Recreation Center: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
• Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
• West Orange Recreation Center: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703

City of Winter Garden: Residents living within the City of Winter Garden will receive 10 pre-filled sandbags. City of Winter Garden resident ID required. The site will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday

• City of Winter Garden Public Works Complex: 880 W. Bay Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Lake County: Sand and bags will be available – residents should bring their own shovels and will need to fill their own bags.

Tuscana Community Meeting

The Tuscana Planned Development community meeting scheduled for Tuesday August 29 has been postponed. The developer is requesting to rezone 262 acres of Shingle Creek basin for 1,266,000 square feet of commercial, 2,790 hotel rooms, and 5,300 apartment units. The community meeting has not been rescheduled yet.

Shelters

Shelters in Orange County will open tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 29, by 1 p.m., for individuals needing to evacuate or seek shelter from Tropical Storm Idalia. ID cards are not required to enter shelters. All shelters are pet friendly.

General Population Shelters

• Barnett Park
• South Econ Recreation Center

Shelters for Individuals with Special/Medical Needs (*for Orange County residents requiring a Special Needs/Medical Shelter please dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111)

• Silver Star Recreation Center
• Goldenrod Recreation Center

For more information, visit www.ocfl.net/storm.