Tropical Storm Isaias Minimal Impact on Volusia County.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

While the weekend was filled with preparations for the slowly approaching Tropical Storm Isaias, the storm system passed by the coast early Monday following its trek up the eastern seaboard.

As of late Monday morning, no reports of any major damage or power outages came through to county officials. Thankfully, the sustained winds never got strong enough to necessitate the closure of bridges. Just before noon Monday, some beach ramps also began to reopen to vehicles.

“Isaias, what we’ve always known, confirmed it: Hurricanes are unpredictable,” County Chair Ed Kelley said during a post-storm news conference Monday morning at the Volusia County Emergency Operations Center.

But this was a good trial run for planning and response efforts for a storm system during a pandemic.

According to officials, the all-clear came through at 5 a.m., that all tropical warnings or watches that were in effect has expired over land and assessments began at first light.

The potential for beach erosion was a major concern, but only one dune walkover at Sheepshead Ave in New Smyrna Beach needed to closed for repairs.

A single restroom on the beach was out of order, and a gate at a vehicle access ramp sustained minor damage.

Tollbooths were removed for protection from the storm and rough seas, are being put back in place at ramps to resume vehicular traffic on the beach. Before that happens, staff from Volusia County Environmental Management Staff must complete an assessment of Sea Turtle nests and post marking the nests.

Real-time updates on the status of vehicle access ramps are provided through the Volusia Beaches app.

At Monday’s news conference, Volusia County Emergency Management Director Jim Judge advised the coordination at all levels with local and state partners and the community went very smoothly.

“We’ve got a great community. We’ve got great partnerships and everybody pulling together in a disaster,” Judge said.