Hurricane Matthew is set to wreak havoc on the Volusia County coast.
- Riverside community likely to see flooding from Matthew
- Residents staying are worried but determined to ride out storm
- Category 4 Matthew can wipe out mobile home parks
The governor has said it, Volusia Emergency officials have said it: Evacuate, especially if you live in mobile home parks.
But not everyone living inside mobile home parks is heeding the warning to get out of harm’s way.
Chad Whiton is staying. He’s making sure his mobile home is secure before hunkering down inside when Matthew arrives.
The Riverside community is about a half mile away from the beach and only yards away from the river.
“I’m staying because my family is staying. I’m worried.” Whiton said.
And he’s not alone.
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Several people inside the Riverside Community mobile home park said they have been through hurricanes before and feel confident they can ride out this one.
But according to News 13 Weather experts, as well as Gov. Rick Scott, our area has never seen the type of powerful winds that Matthew will have.
A Category 4 hurricane can wipe out mobile home parks.
“I'm going to stay take my chances with my house," said John Parker, who is staying along with two of his friends.
Whiton said police officers have come by the Riverside community.
Some residents have left, but not everyone, like his family and these men.
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“There's a few that say they’re not sure what they’re going to do, but at the point it's too late if you’re going to decide to leave or not.” Whiton said.
Flooding will almost certainly be an issue inside the mobile home park.
Just a few inches of rain fell in the area Thursday, and some streets inside the park were already flooded.
Mathew is expected to bring several inches of rain.