Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando | City of Orlando website
Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando | City of Orlando website
The City of Orlando's Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring Hurricane Helene and will partially activate at a Level II on Thursday, September 26, at 9 a.m. Although the storm's path and potential impacts on the Orlando area are still uncertain, city departments are taking necessary precautions to prepare for heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer emphasized the importance of preparation: "With the heavy rains we’ve experienced over the last few weeks, I want to encourage everyone to closely monitor this storm and prepare yourselves, your family and your employees for potential impacts. It’s important to also check in on your neighbors. Protecting our residents and businesses, preventing loss of life and minimizing damage is our top priority and we are taking this storm seriously."
Residents are advised to assemble emergency kits that include water (one gallon per person per day), food (a seven-day supply), medication, battery-powered radios, batteries, and any special items needed. These items should be kept in an easy-to-carry container for possible evacuation.
Non-essential city offices and services will be closed on Thursday, September 26. This includes City Hall. Residents can pick up sandbags from any of Orange County park’s six self-serve locations until 7 p.m., weather permitting.
Residential and commercial trash collection is expected to operate normally unless Orange County closes its landfill. The city requests that residents avoid placing tree trimmings or loose waste near curbs or storm drains to help prevent flooding.
The City of Orlando continues to monitor lake levels and will adjust weir boards as needed to manage flooding risks. Street sweeping operations will focus on areas prone to blocked inlets, while crews inspect drainage systems for blockages.
All scooters and bikes parked in city right-of-way areas will be removed due to anticipated weather conditions. City parking garages remain open at this time.
For ongoing updates and information about preparing for the storm, residents can visit orlando.gov/storm or follow the city's social media channels.
Contact information:
Ashley Papagni
Public Information Manager
ashley.papagni@orlando.gov
407-246-4275
Andrea Otero
Public Information Manager
andrea.otero@orlando.gov
321-689-7085
City Hall Address:
400 South Orange Avenue,
Orlando, Florida 32801
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