Hurricane Ian, Advisory 3
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Contact: Joe Sweat, Communications Specialist
772.467.3031 | jsweat@cityoffortpierce.com
Website: www.cityoffortpierce.com
As of 5:00 PM today, Hurricane Ian was 5 miles east of Punta Gorda, FL, with sustained winds of 140 mph. It is traveling NNE at 8 miles per hour. Its predicted track will take it towards Orlando tonight and eventually move offshore near Daytona Beach as a Tropical Storm late Thursday or early Friday. The storm is expected to lose strength as it travels inland but will still have damaging winds and could spawn tornados and cause flooding. Our area is expected to have increased sustained winds today, with possible gusts to 55 mph. Winds are expected to be the strongest beginning late tonight through Thursday. Localized flooding remains a concern as storm bands move through the area and may receive an additional 1-3” of rain tonight. The Police Department received several calls today in reference to closing the South Bridge. We do not anticipate closing the South Bridge unless there is a dramatic change in the storm’s track causing conditions to become too dangerous for safe passage. Drivers are encouraged to avoid flooded streets.
A Tornado watch has been issued for the Treasure Coast by the U.S. National Weather Service and is in effect until 1:00 AM, Thursday, September 29th.
St. Lucie County information line is open for residents regarding storm information. It will be answered from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The number is 772-460-4357.
The shelter at Fort Pierce Central High School has been relocated to the General Population/Pet-Friendly Shelter located at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (1801 Panther Lane, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34947) due to low turnout. The Special Needs Shelter (Havert L. Fenn, 2000 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34982) remains open time.
• FPUA Customer Service Lobby is closed to the public, Wednesday, September 28th, and tomorrow, Thursday, September 29th.
• City Hall remains closed to the public, Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.
• St. Lucie Public Schools and district offices closed on Wednesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 29.
Sand Distribution Replenished
The free self-serve sandbag stations are being replenished for residents at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamland Park (S. 25th St.), Pioneer Park (Ave M and N. 29th St.), and Jaycee Park (South Hutchinson Island). Residents should bring their own bags and a shovel. Parks are open daily from dawn to dusk. For more info regarding sand distribution, please call the Public Works Department at 772-467-3794.
State of Emergency Declared
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a State of Emergency for all 67 counties on Saturday, September 24. St. Lucie County declared a Local State of Emergency at 9 a.m. on September 27. The City of Fort Pierce declared a State of Emergency at 11:00 AM, September 27.
Solid Waste collection will continue to run as normal. Please refrain from cutting down vegetation or doing major projects until the system passes. Residents should not place any additional debris at the curb as it may block surface stormwater flow.
We are committed to keeping our residents safe and informed - all public notices will be provided on the city’s website at www.cityoffortpierce.com, social media channels, and Fort Pierce TV Channel 27. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for St. Lucie County's Alert St. Lucie program to get emergency notifications sent directly to their phone, email, or text: www.stlucieco.gov/Aler