Volusia County hit hard by Hurricane Matthew

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Widespread damage was reported across Volusia County in the wake of Hurricane Matthew as the storm pummeled the county late Thursday night into Friday morning.

In Daytona Beach Shores, a boat rental facility’s dock completely washed up onto the shore.

Power lines were knocked down throughout the area.

The dock was about 50 to 100 yards up onto the land.

Several homes in the Edgewater area also sustained damage, with roofs torn off and debris covering the roadways.

Emergency officials also reported the first death in the U.S. directly caused by Hurricane Matthew.

Volusia County emergency management director Jim Judge says a tree fell on a woman's house in the county, which includes the city of Daytona Beach.

Judge says her family took her to a hospital, where she died.

Damage and debris covered Atlantic Avenue in the popular tourist area of Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach.

Hurricane Matthew has caused widespread power outages and uprooted many trees throughout Ormond Beach, resulting in water main breaks and water wells going out of service.

City crews were working to locate and eliminate leaks and provide alternative power to well sites. The entire city’s water storage has been depleted.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water to the maximum extent possible and report any water leaks immediately to 386-676-3220. Once water service has been restored, any water used for drinking or cooking should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute before consumption. Please call 386-676-3220 with any questions

In New Smyrna Beach, several oak trees fell, making it impossible for some owners to leave their house.

“It was kinda scary to be honest with you,” said New Smyrna Beach resident Todd Hemmingway. “I didn’t expect it to be quite this devastating, as far as the tree limbs go.”

Hemmingway’s street was blanketed in branches.

His neighbor, Barbara Fix, said a tree fell in her yard early this morning.

In the chaos of the storm, she said she didn’t hear the tree fall and only realized the damage when the storm calmed down.

Closer to the beach, New Smyrna Beach turned away resident after resident, hoping to get on the island.

Utility crews were the only ones allowed because they had to clean up the mess.

Important information for Volusia County residents:

Volusia County will continue to have inclement weather overnight as
Hurricane Matthew continues north. The area may continue to have passing
squalls from the storm.

We know there are power outages, downed trees and reports of damage
throughout the county. Many roads are blocked by downed trees and power
lines. Traffic signals may not be working in many areas and unnecessary
travel may hamper the clearing of roads and the reestablishment of
power.

There was one fatality in Volusia County today: The deceased is 63-year
old Susan Mathes of 965 Hazen Road, DeLand. Mathes was outside feeding
animals when a tree fell on her. Mrs. Mathes' husband attempted to
drive her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Airports
● Daytona Beach International Airport:  Daytona Beach International
Airport sustained minor damage from Hurricane Matthew. There are
portions of the airfield that contain standing water. The terminal and
airfield lighting are operating on back-up generator power. The terminal
is currently without air conditioning. The air traffic control tower and
navigational equipment are operating on a backup generator with limited
capabilities. An airfield assessment is ongoing to determine if it is
safe to open the taxiway and runway surfaces.  "Our top priority is
the safety of the traveling public," said Airport Director Rick Karl.
"At this point, there are too many variables that make it difficult to
determine when the airport can safely open but we are targeting the
afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 8." Passengers should check with their
airlines regarding flight schedules.

● New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport: The airport has sustained
damages that affect operations; multiple building damage, two buildings
and a downed fence. Until power is restored the airport will operate
only during daylight hours beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. NOTAM
notification will be issued prior to resumption of flights.
Additionally, until full restoration, pilots should use VFR
regulations.

Beaches
Volusia County's beaches are under a double red flag, which means
water activities are prohibited. People should not be going into the
water. The surf is still very dangerous with the rough surf conditions
and a lot of debris in the water. There can be debris as large as trees
in the water right now.

Bridges
Bridges in Volusia County remain closed. Crews with the Florida
Department of Transportation and the county are inspecting them. Once it
is determined they can be reopened, it will be announced.

Curfew
The mandatory curfew for Volusia County is through 7 a.m. Saturday,
Oct. 8. Law enforcement officers will use discretion and common sense in
enforcing the curfew. Those who have to travel for work or who have an
urgent need to travel in the area are free to do so if absolutely
necessary. The intent of the curfew is to discourage loitering and
prevent looting – which won't be tolerated. The Sheriff's Office
encourages residents to shelter in place overnight.

Damage assessment
Throughout Volusia County, crews are trying to assess damage as they
are able. To report damage to public facilities or buildings, please
call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345.

Florida Highway Patrol
Multiple trees are down in the roadway, along I-95 between mm 234 and
260 and motorists should seek an alternate route. The Florida Highway
Patrol and other agencies are removing trees throughout the area. If
motorists are on the roadways they should use caution.  

Holly Hill – Public water supply
The water supply in Holly Hill is okay. There was a water main break
that has been isolated and only affected 16 customers who are aware of
the situation.

Hotlines
Daytona Beach: 386-671-5555
DeLand: 386-626-7000
Deltona: 386-878-8100
Edgewater: 386-424-2400
New Smyrna Beach: 386-424-2113 or 386-424-2114
Port Orange: 386-506-5999
United Way First Call for Help: 2-1-1 or 386-253-0564
Volusia County Citizens Information Center: 866-345-0345

Cox Media Group