Orange County October 10 Milton update: Hurricane and tropical storm watches, warnings have ended

Watch the full news conference on YouTube or Vimeo.

Weather update

All hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings have ended for Orange County. Weather totals from Hurricane Milton:

• Highest wind gusts measured at 87 mph
• More than 10 inches of rain in parts of Orange County
• Over 42 tornado warnings issued across Central Florida

Current weather advisories for Orange County:

• Flood watch
• Wind advisory until 8 p.m.

Shelters

Orange County sheltered more than 2600 people from Hurricane Milton. As of 3 p.m., Thursday, October 10, the following shelters are closed:

• Carver Middle School
• Colonial High School
• Lake Buena Vista High School
• Lake Nona High School
• Ocoee High School
• Odyssey Middle School
• Timber Springs Middle School
• Union Park Middle School
• Wedgefield K-8 School

Inoperable traffic lights

If you approach an intersection and see the traffic signal not functioning normally, follow these rules:

• Flashing Red: Treat the light as a stop sign. Be sure to look in all directions before carefully advancing through an intersection.
• Flashing Yellow: Slow down and proceed with caution through the intersection.
• Lights Out: Treat an inoperable stoplight as a four-way stop. Don’t expect other drivers to follow suit. Observe crossroads and pedestrian crossings and then proceed with caution.

Orange County residents can dial 311, download the OCFL 311 mobile app, or call 407-836-3111 to report non-emergency incidents.

Wastewater 

Residents are asked to reduce their impact on the wastewater system by reducing water usage when possible. This will reduce the strain on our pump stations and help prevent sewage overflows. Limit large, immediate water usage in dishwashers, washing machines and baths. Water stored in bathtubs should be drained slowly, not all at once.

Building safety

Division of Building Safety Habitability Assessment teams comprised of licensed Building and Electrical Inspectors will deploy on Friday, October 11. Residents can dial 311 or use the OCFL 311 app to report damage.

Garbage and landfill

The Orange County Landfill and transfer stations should reopen at 8 a.m. Friday, October 11.

Only residential garbage in the green lid carts will be collected when curbside collection resumes on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, in areas that are accessible. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday customers should set out garbage green lid cans by 6 a.m. Friday, October 11. Regular collection services are planned to resume starting Monday, October 14.

Yard waste collection will be delayed due to post-storm volume.

Power outages

Utility crews are currently assessing outages and working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.

Duke: 110,000 customers in Orange County are currently affected by power outages.

OUC: 61,125 customers in Orange County are currently affected by power outages.

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 fuels 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 on Thursday, Oct. 10 and Friday, October 11. Normal operations will resume on Monday, October 14.

Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida:Courthouses are closed on Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11. Normal operations will resume on Monday, October 14.

Orange County Public Schools: Schools are closed Thursday, October 10, and Friday, October 11.Teams are on site assessing buildings for damage and will communicate with parents on school reopening dates.

LYNX: LYNX has modified service on the road today, October 10. Regular bus and NeighborLink service is anticipated to resume starting Friday, October 11. ACCESS LYNX will provide life-sustaining trips only through Friday, October 11. Normal service will resume Saturday, October 12. Customers are encouraged to call 407-423-8747 and book their trip.

Orlando International Airport: Outbound passenger flights will resume Friday, October 11.Travelers should reach out to their specific airlines for information regarding flights.

The Apopka Chief and The Planter are weekly community newspapers, independently owned and family operated, that have served the greater Apopka area in Central Florida since 1923 and 1965 respectively. 

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