MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF CHITWOOD: TAKE THIS STORM SERIOUSLY. If you were flooded during Ian, expect flooding from Nicole. We have our high-water rescue crews ready to go, but as we saw a few weeks ago, we can't get to everyone at the same time. After the damage Ian caused, there are structures on the beachside that are in imminent danger of collapse. Stay away from the beach! A mandatory evacuation order is going into effect Wednesday morning for the most high-risk homes and businesses, and a countywide curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. See more info below. Be smart, get prepared, and don't let yourself fall into complacency. We'll get through this like we always do, but you need to think safety first. -Sheriff Mike Chitwood *TUESDAY UPDATE* from Volusia County Emergency Management: Tropical Storm Nicole will bring strong tropical force winds and the potential for hurricane force gusts to Volusia County beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting through 8 p.m. Thursday. This massive storm poses a significant threat for dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, and damaging winds and gusts. Water levels could rise by 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels, and the area could receive 4 to 6 inches of rain with up to 8 inches in some areas, especially along the coast. All parts of the county are expected to receive 45-60 mph sustained winds along with hurricane strength gusts. Coastal Volusia County is under a hurricane warning, while inland portions of the county are under a tropical storm warning. A river flood warning is in effect for the St. Johns River from Geneva to Astor. Residents should make their final preparations tonight (Tuesday night). A mandatory evacuation order begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday for all residences and businesses that are: East of the Intracoastal Waterway All manufactured and mobile home dwellers east of Interstate 95 All low-lying areas and other areas prone to flooding All campsites and RV recreational parks Evacuees are encouraged to stay with family, friends or an inland hotel and must complete their evacuation by 4 p.m. Wednesday because conditions will begin to deteriorate significantly. Shelters Volusia County Schools and Volusia County Government will open four shelters at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9. General population: Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City Special needs shelters: Heritage Middle School, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona David C. Hinson Middle School, 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach All four shelters will accept pets. Those staying at a shelter with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies. Additional shelters will be opened if necessary. Shelters should be used only as a last resort. Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours. Since space is limited, evacuees should bring only essential items. Eat a meal before leaving for a shelter and avoid bringing valuables. Shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Hospitals are not shelters. Special needs shelters are for medical patients. They are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator and other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Only one caregiver will be admitted for each patient. Homeless shelters Homeless shelters will open Wednesday at these locations: The Bridge, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand First Step Shelter, 3889 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach (individuals must first report to Halifax Urban Ministries, 340 N. St., Daytona Beach, for transportation to the First Step Shelter) Curfew The Volusia County Council has issued an emergency countywide curfew to protect and safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Volusia County residents and visitors. The curfew will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. The curfew does not apply to: Regular members of law enforcement bodies Regular employees of business, industries or government entities while traveling from their jobs All emergency workers Bridges Bridges that cross the Intracoastal Waterway will be closed to eastbound traffic when sustained winds reach 39 mph. When the curfew begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, the bridges will be closed in both directions. Emergency Operations Center Volusia County’s Emergency Operations Center is partially activated today and will move to full activation on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Citizens Information Center Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345 for updated information.