Osceola County officials said to expect high-end tropical storm-force winds and possible hurricane wind conditions starting Wednesday morning, and continuing through early Friday due to slow-moving Hurricane Ian.
As well, 6-8 inches of rain are forecast in that period, which should have the attention of those living in low-lying areas.
"If you know where you live is flood prone, make the decision to leaving now and go stay with friends or family in a higher area, or go to one of our shelters," said Bill Litton, Osceola County Emergency Operations Manager. "Now is not the time to linger, it's the time to act."
Sheriff Marcos Lopez reported there is no curfew planned as of now, but all officials are asking residents to BE WHERE YOU NEED TO BE BY WEDNESDAY MID-MORNING AND STAY THERE THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. All deputies will be working through the storm, either on patrol if conditions permit, at shelters or emergency services if not.
Celebration High School, Harmony High and Kissimmee Middle School (pet friendly) will open as shelters at 2 p.m. today (Tuesday). The Osceola Council on Aging is the county's special-needs shelter for those who are registered. Those on the sexual offender list who need a shelter will be sent to the Historic Courthouse near downtown Kissimmee.
The National Hurricane Center's path of projected movement has moved east again, bringing a Category 3 storm with 125 mph maximum winds on shore near Sarasota late Wednesday, and then taking nearly 24 hours to reach Osceola County as a strong tropical storm Thursday night. Chances in our area of: tropical storm winds, 89 percent, 58-74 mph winds, 55 percent, hurricane force (over 75), 27 percent.
The Osceola Schools closure has been extended through Friday. Local government offices will close Wednesday and Thursday and, as of now, plan to be open Friday.
Weather permitting, sandbags will be available at Osceola Heritage Park today until 6 p.m. at Osceola Heritage Park, and 7 p.m. at the St. Cloud Civic Center.
The county is not reporting shortages of any sheltering items like gas or propane. The Sheriff's Office said to call the state hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM to report price gauging.
Text 'AlertOsceola' to 888777 for direct updates to your phone.
