Volusia County Government provides updates ahead of Subtropical Storm Nicole.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

Officials with the Volusia County Government held a press conference ahead of Subtropical Storm Nicole, which is forecasted to affect the Volusia County area, especially those on the coast, within the next few days.

According to Kevin Captain, Director of Community Information with Volusia County, coastal residents near seawalls or areas that experienced widespread flooding with Hurricane Ian should make any final preparations needed to secure their homes and move to a safer location as soon as possible.

“Volusia County, as of this morning, is in a Tropical Storm watch and a storm surge watch. Everywhere to the south, from Brevard County to Martin County, is on a Hurricane Watch,” said Interim Director of Emergency Management Jim Judge. “Nicole could possibly make landfall in the Treasure Coast as a Category 1 Hurricane.”

The storm surge from Subtropical Storm Nicole will impact coastal areas the most, as the buffer is gone. The beach is deflated and flat with no soft sand, exposing damaged sea walls further. 

“With the storm surge, on top of the full moon and the high tide, the storm surge could amount to 2-4 feet, and getting up to 5 feet in some areas," said Judge. 

Weather forecasts predict that Volusia County can experience four to eight inches of rain through Friday, with storm conditions beginning to move into the area as soon as tomorrow evening. These conditions can cause localized flooding, especially near areas, where water levels are still raised, potentially covering roadways, and rendering them impassible.

Volusia County Schools are closed on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, due to Election Day and Friday, November 11, 2022, for the Veteran’s Day holiday. There is school scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. However, Government officials have been in contact with Volusia County Schools putting two emergency shelters already on standby, one special needs shelter and one general population shelter.

Subtropical Storm Nicole is forecasted to move quickly through the area, and residents should have enough supplies like food, water, and batteries to last for a few days. If you have not replenished any supplies post-Ian, be sure to do so now. Many structures along the coast sustained damage during Hurricane Ian, and their integrity may deteriorate even more over the next few days. If you feel your home is unsafe to weather the oncoming storm, find a safe place today. 

“By end of the business day today, beach driving will be closed throughout the storm, but we advise residents to stay off the beach and stay out of the water until the storm passes,” said Andy Ethridge, Director of Beach Safety.

The Volusia County Fair has moved the prospect steer show to tonight, Monday, November 7, 2022, at 8 p.m. and may close throughout the week due to the storm. All voting locations will be opened as planned on Tuesday, November 8.

Up-to-date polling information can be found at www.volusiaelections.gov. For more information or real-time storm updates, visit

www.volusia.org/pin.