Mayor Demings: Most Ian impact will be north/west of Interstate 4

During a Hurricane Ian update Monday, Sept. 26, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said local impacts of the storm will be greater in West Orange County. 

“While there is uncertainty in the forecast, the situation for Central Florida has become more serious,” Demings said. “The storm could pass over Orange County and Central Florida. Now is the time to get prepared.

“We believe that in Orange County, particularly the area north and west of Interstate 4, will see the most impact,” Demings said. “That is most likely to begin on Wednesday afternoon or evening through Thursday.”

Demings said the area is under a tropical storm watch, which means conditions are favorable for tropical storm-force winds — 39 to 73 mph. That will impact the ability for both school buses and Lynx buses to travel on the roads, he said. SunRail already has announced curtailed service for Tuesday and likely no service for Wednesday.

“If it holds on the present track, Ian will approach Florida as a strong hurricane with dangerous winds, widespread flooding rains over several days, and they anticipate significant potential for tornadic activity,” Demings said.

Orange County Public Schools is scheduled to meet this afternoon to discuss any plans for closures this week.

“We want our residents to take it seriously,” Demings said. “We know that by Tuesday evening, we may begin to feel some impacts of the storm — but Wednesday and Thursday are the principal days that we are mostly concerned about.”