This story was updated to add new information and photo.
Tropical Storm Milton is expected to become a hurricane by late Sunday/early Monday and bring heavy rain, potential flooding and strong winds to Volusia and Flagler counties beginning Sunday through mid-week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Officials say Milton could strike Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 130 mph possibly by Wednesday.
Ahead of the storm, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday declared a state of emergency in 35 Florida counties, including Volusia and Flagler.
Volusia County is currently under a flood watch through Friday.
Derrick Weitlich, a meteorologist with NWS, said Volusia and Flagler counties can expect “the threat of locally heavy rainfall as we go through the day Sunday.”
In addition, Weitlich said, residents should be aware of localized flooding, especially along the coast of Flagler and Volusia counties depending on the track of the storm. That could mean increased water levels that are already higher than average because of all the rainfall the region has received over the last several weeks. Strong winds coming from the east/northeast and severe weather such as tornadoes are also possible.
Rough surf, rip currents
The NWS is also warning residents and visitors to be cautious along the shore with a high risk for rip currents and rough surf beginning Saturday.
Sandbag locations
Deltona: Self-service sandbag operations will begin Saturday until 5 p.m. at Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd. Residents are limited to 10 bags per vehicle and are asked to bring their own shovels and gloves.
Edgewater: The city has designated two locations Saturday: Mango Tree Lake at 901 Mango Tree Drive and the southwest corner of Hibiscus Drive and 26th St.
Both sites will be open 24 hours a day, but staff will be available at certain times at the Mango Tree Lake location.
Residents should bring shovels and bags to both locations. Double-bagged, heavy-duty garbage bags can also be used.
Residents can get up to 15 bags per household with proof of residency while supplies last.
Volusia County: Residents can pick up sand and sandbags until 5 p.m. on Saturday at the following locations:
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New Smyrna Beach: Volusia County Fire Rescue Station 23, Turnbull Station, 1850 Pioneer Trail
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Osteen: Volusia County Fire Rescue Station 34, Indian Mound Station, 1700 Enterprise-Osteen Road
Residents are asked to bring a shovel and there is a limit of 10 sandbags per household.
Additionally, the Volusia County Corrections Division will distribute pre-filled sandbags until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Volusia County Branch Jail, 1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach. Each vehicle is eligible to receive up to 10 pre-filled sandbags.
Proof of Volusia County residency is required at all three locations.
Check your municipality’s website for more sandbag locations.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Tropical Storm Milton will bring heavy rain to Volusia, Flagler by Sunday
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