|
As Hurricane Nicole tracks closer to the coastline, please note the following information:
- Palm Beach County is currently under a hurricane warning and a storm surge warning.
- Strong winds and heavy rain are anticipated to begin tomorrow afternoon through Thursday.
- Tropical storm conditions and possible category one hurricane conditions are anticipated within the next 36 hours.
- Heavy surf conditions and some coastal flooding of low-lying areas of Town are anticipated, with an estimated storm surge of 3-5 feet in surge-prone areas.
- Current potential rainfall is forecast at 3-6 inches.
- Palm Beach County will be announcing closure and shelter locations later today. Tune in to local news for details.
- As of this time, there is no MANDATORY EVACUATION. Evacuating at this time is a personal decision. If the storm develops into a CAT 2, then this may change. If it does, you will receive a reverse 911 call from our Emergency Management team. But, to reiterate, Lake Drive may flood, and the Inlet Walkway may have waves breaking over it and be dangerous.
The Town has made preparations and placed additional fire department staff on duty throughout the storm event. The Department of Public Works has made infrastructure preparations and remains on standby for debris removal following the storm event. PBSO has also allocated additional resources.
If the storm surge is 3 feet or higher, we can expect some flooding along the Lake Drive corridor and other low-lying locations. If the wave action is in fact, 10+ feet, we can expect surf to break over the Inlet riprap and onto the Inlet walkway. So, that area may be dangerous during peak storm activity.
Town Hall offices will be closed tomorrow (11/9), with a liberal leave policy in effect, depending on conditions, for Thursday (11/10). Final preparations, including securing loose items around the home, should be completed. The County has not issued evacuation orders thus far. It is anticipated that orders will be given at some point for Zone A, which includes housing such as manufactured homes or trailers. The timing, arrival, and impact on our area are still uncertain. However, shelters will open tomorrow at 7 AM for the general population, special needs populations, and those with pets. The County plans on making further announcements at a press conference at 2 PM this afternoon. We will keep you posted.
The Palm Beach Shores Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation and relay information as it is received.
Stay safe, and please call with any questions.
Trevor Steedman, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief / Director of Emergency Services
| 
