JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team is continuing to track Tropical Storm Ian as it impacts Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Follow along with live updates below as Florida prepares for the storm:
For locations to find and fill up sandbags click HERE.
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September 30, 2022
8:01 p.m.: The city of St. Augustine will begin collecting storm debris on Saturday, Oct. 1. in residential areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. Residents are urged to place yard debris curbside to allow collection by city crews. For more information on what should and should not be done visit the City’s website.
4:52 p.m.: Clay County District Schools will resume normal operations on Monday, October 3.
4:25 p.m.: All Duval County Public Schools and school activities will resume on Monday, October 3.
3:20 P.M.: St. Johns County has opened the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St., as a post-impact shelter for those who are unable to return to their homes. All other shelters are now closed.
St. Johns County has opened four Points of Distribution (PODs) for those affected by Hurricane Ian to receive water. The PODs will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. Water distribution will be limited to two cases of water per car.
- St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A S, St. Augustine
- Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine
- Flagler Estates Community Center, 9960 Oliver Ave., Hastings
- Al Wilke Park, 6150 South Main St., Hastings
For updates on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts in St. Johns County, please visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the St. Johns County Emergency Management Citizen Information Line at 904.824.5550.
12:07 p.m.: Duval County beaches -- Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville -- are back open effective immediately, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says.
10:59 a.m.: The St. Johns County School District said all District Offices will be open to resume normal operations on Monday, October 3. Extracurricular activities, athletic contests and practices can also take place as scheduled. School make up days will be determined soon and communicated to families and staff.
8:18 a.m.: Hurricane expected to remain at 90 mph as it heads towards the South Carolina coast.
1:50 a.m.: Storm’s winds reach 85 mph.
September 29, 2022
8:12 p.m.: Category 1 storm strengthening as it moves closer to the Carolinas.
5:49 p.m.: The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will restart regular bus service Friday by noon
5:41 p.m.: The Jacksonville International Airport will reopen Friday with “limited food service.”
Jacksonville International Airport will be open for operations on Friday (9/30) w/limited food service. Some airlines will operate on reduced schedules, so it’s important to check flight status w/them before heading to the terminal. The TSA security checkpoint will open at 7 am. pic.twitter.com/BZQIVlYZyX
— JAXairport (@JAXairport) September 29, 2022
5:01 p.m.: Storm is once again a Category 1 hurricane.
#FirstAlertWx "Talking the Tropics With Mike": https://t.co/fhxiXST4hb - #Ian becomes a hurricane again east of Fl. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/bQWRWQxKHI
— Mike Buresh (@MikeFirstAlert) September 29, 2022
1:19 p.m.: Fernandina Beach storm surge exceeds height of Hurricane Irma.
11:58 a.m.: Storm surge in St. Augustine exceeds height of Hurricane Matthew storm surge.
11:50 a.m.: Flagler County urges residents in Woodlands neighborhood (Evacuation Zone C) to leave immediately.
9:43 a.m.: The Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine has partially closed, according to the St. Augustine Police Department.
7:42 a.m.: President Biden approves Florida disaster declaration.
5:05 a.m.: Ian downgraded to a tropical storm.
September 28, 2022
11:20 p.m.: Hurricane Ian has weakened to a Category 1 with winds of 100 mph.
At 11 pm Wed Hurricane Ian was located 70 mi south of Orlando FL or 80 mi southwest of Cape Canaveral FL. Ian had max sustained winds of 90 mph and a central pressure of 972 mb/28.71" Ian was moving to the NNE at 8 mph and is expect to move offshore over the Atlantic Thursday. pic.twitter.com/mQqi2J3yLI
— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) September 29, 2022
9:19 p.m.; Hurricane Ian has been downgraded to a Category 2 with winds of 105 mph, hours after making landfall on the southwest coast of Florida Wednesday afternoon with Category 4 force.
7:22 p.m.: Hurricane Ian has weakened to a Category 3 with winds of 125 mph.
5:16 p.m.: Hurricane Ian’s eye makes landfall on mainland Florida at Pirate Harbor, which is in Charlotte County.
3:17 p.m.: The eye of Hurricane Ian has made landfall on Cayo Costa, which is north of Captiva and Sanibel Islands.
11:12 a.m.: Hurricane watch issued from Flagler/Volusia County, Fla. north to South Carolina
8:33 a.m.: Flagler County issues evacuation orders for zones A, B & F.
Evacuations effective 1 p.m. - leave as early as possible - general population (with pets) and special needs shelters to open at 1 p.m. - https://t.co/mRle5PTULO pic.twitter.com/WdME1cxi7K
— Flagler County Emergency Management (@FlaglerEOC) September 28, 2022
8 a.m.: Nassau County issues evacuation orders for zones A & D.
Evacuation Order Issued
— NassauEM (@NassauEM) September 28, 2022
As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, Nassau County has issued an Evacuation Order for Evacuation Zones A and D. pic.twitter.com/DqKKsORlI3
7:20 a.m.: Storm winds reach 155 mph, just shy of a Category 5.
6 a.m.: St. Johns County evacuation begin.
5:06 a.m.: Hurricane Ian reaches Category 4 strength.
September 27, 2022
7:11 p.m.: Duval County Public Schools shared the following update: “Mayor Curry announced at 4:17 via Twitter that he is considering evacuations in zone A. Because of the possibility of evacuations, all Duval County Public Schools will now be fully closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. All school operations and activities are canceled. This is in addition to closures already announced for Thursday and Friday.”
6:16 p.m.: Walt Disney World will temporarily close its theme parks on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29:
- Magic Kingdom Park
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.)
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
- Fantasia Gardens
- Fairways Miniature Golf
Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a usage window impacted by Hurricane Ian related park closure will automatically be extended to use the remaining entitlements through any date through September 30, 2023.
5:55 p.m.: Orlando International Airport will cease flights at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Operational Update – Hurricane Ian
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) September 27, 2022
Commercial operations at MCO will cease at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, 09/28/22. Entry to all parking facilities will be closed at that same period. Please contact your airline for flight updates. pic.twitter.com/P75DooP2EA
4:24 p.m.: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said citizens should be prepared for the possibility of evacuations. He tweeted Tuesday afternoon, “As Hurricane #Ian moves closer to the @CityofJax, we are watching closely to determine if evacuations in Zone A is the safest option for citizens. We will make this decision early Wednesday morning, but if you live in Zone A please be prepared for this possible scenario.”
4:22 p.m.: Camden County Board of Commissioners have issued a State of Emergency Declaration effective Tuesday until rescinded. Officials from the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine jointly agreed to close all local government offices Wednesday September 28, 2022, through Friday, September 30, 2022.
4:05 p.m.: SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to Hurricane Ian. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.
2:45 p.m.: Clay County officials have issued evacuations for Zones A, B, C, and North Prong and South Prong. The order goes into effect Wednesday at noon.
1:48 p.m.: The USS Orleck will not open to the public on Wednesday as originally planned. Due to Hurricane Ian, it will open NEXT Wednesday, Oct. 5.
1:38 p.m.: St. Johns County officials announced that at 6 a.m. Wednesday, an evacuation order will go into effect for Zones A, B (including entire city of St. Augustine), and zone F south of County Road 214.
Northeast Florida evacuation information ahead of Hurricane Ian
12:46 p.m.: Due to Hurricane Ian and impending weather, the Duval and Nassau County Courthouses will be closing at noon on Wednesday, September 28 through Friday September 30.
The Clay County Courthouse will close all day Wednesday (Sept 28) through Friday (Sept 30).
No hearings or proceedings should be conducted after 12 p.m. Wed (Sept 28) except first appearances.
12:06 p.m.: A state of emergency has been declared for Duval County, effective Wednesday at noon.
Declaring a state of emergency allows the city to allocate dollars and resources, Mayor Lenny Curry said.
The city will open Legends Center for anyone who needs emergency shelter. At this time, that will be the only shelter opening, but Curry said that could change.
Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Green said for Duval County Public Schools, Wednesday, students will be dismissed 2.5 hours earlier than normal. Wednesday was an already-scheduled early release day. Athletic activities are canceled until Oct. 3.
Thursday and Friday, Duval schools will close. The Oct. 14th weather day will be a regular school day.
11:43 a.m.: Several Northeast Florida cities and counties will be giving news conferences about preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian. Action News Jax will stream all of them and they are as follows:
- City of Jacksonville at 12:05 p.m.
- St. Johns County’s Emergency Operations Center at 1 p.m.
- Clay County Emergency Management at 2:30 p.m.
5 a.m.: Tropical storm watches placed on Bradford County, Western Duval County, Western Clay County and Western Putnam County.
4:15 a.m.: Ian makes landfall in Cuba with significant winds (125 mph) and storm surge as a Category 3.
2:39 a.m.: Ian reaches Category 3 strength.
September 26, 2022
11 p.m.: Putnam County Emergency Management released the following information:
In light of the serious threat to lives and property in Putnam County posed by Hurricane Ian, it is recommended that residents in evacuation zones A and F, low-lying areas, areas that have a history of flooding, and mobile homes evacuate beginning Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
Shelters will be open starting Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 6 p.m.
General Population Shelters
•Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Elementary School (formerly Interlachen Elementary School), 251 County Rd 315, Interlachen, FL
•QI Roberts JR-SR High School, 901 State Rd 100, Florahome
•Browning-Pearce Elementary School, 100 Bear Blvd, San Mateo
•Middleton-Burney Elementary School, 1020 Huntington Rd, Crescent City
Pet-Friendly Shelter
•Ockwilla Elementary School, 299 N. State Rd 21, Hawthorne
Special Needs (Run Through the Department of Health)
•Kelley Smith Elementary School, 141 Kelley Smith School Rd, Palatka
For more information and to find out your evacuation zone, please visit eoc.putnam-fl.com or call the EOC call center at 386-329-1904.
6 p.m.: Green Cove Springs City Council declared a State of Emergency due to Hurricane Ian. The state of emergency will remain in effect in accordance with the State of Florida’s Executive Order, as needed.
5:49 p.m.: Our area is now under a Tropical Storm Watch, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
The following information was shared during Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s 5 p.m. update:
- The mayor urged residents not to panic, but to prepare. Curry said the city is currently NOT ordering evacuations or opening shelters BUT that could change. All city offices will be open for now.
- JEA said more than 2,000 employees ready to respond. Mutual aid crews and contractors are also on standby from across the country. JEA lobby & call center will be open.
- Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene Duval County Public Schools said Tuesday will be a normal school day. Wednesday is already scheduled early release. A decision about any potential closures this week will be made by Tuesday at noon.
- Jacksonville does not offer sandbags because officials said if people use them incorrectly, they can do more harm than good.
4:02 p.m.: Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry will provide an update at 5:05 p.m. on the city’s storm preparations ahead of Ian.
2:03 p.m.: The St. Johns County Emergency Management Citizen Information Line is now open to help answer residents’ questions about Hurricane Ian.
For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Management Citizen Information Line at 904-824-5550.
Residents can find tips and resources such as supply kits, pets, and other emergency response information at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com.
1:51 p.m.: JEA leadership is closely monitoring Hurricane Ian to ensure the utility’s readiness for the storm. JEA Managing Director & CEO Jay Stowe ordered JEA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to operate at partial Activation status. At this level, the EOC will perform around-the-clock storm monitoring and release scheduled communications to internal teams, field crews and customers with pertinent storm updates.
JEA is preparing for potential widespread outages and flooding in low-lying areas.
In addition, mutual aid crews from outside the impact area are on standby and already are mobilizing to assist in the restoration process as needed.
As part of normal storm preparation, starting Tuesday, JEA will temporarily suspend customer disconnections for non-payment as we mobilize to support our community.
Customers are encouraged to ensure their mobile phone number and email address are up to date on their jea.com account and to sign up for voice, email or text alerts. This will allow JEA to contact customers directly with updates on a power outage.
JEA has worked throughout the year to prepare for severe weather in a number of ways:
- Storm Hardening: JEA has made significant investments to harden our electric, water and sewer systems to make them more resistant to storm-related disruptions. These critical repairs and improvements help us restore power and return to normal operations more quickly after a major storm
- Year-Round Tree Trimming: While strong winds and heavy rains cause their share of storm damage, most storm-related power outages result from tree branches falling on power lines.
- Water & Sewer Upgrades: The utility has made significant investments in upgrading our water and sewer facilities, and has installed backup generators to reduce the risk of storm-related service interruptions.
1:44 p.m.: Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are sharing the following information on how to avoid scams surrounding natural disasters and best prepare for Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Fuel Plan Preparations:
FDACS recommends the following tips for hurricane preparedness, along with important fuel safety reminders:
- Keep all vehicles at least half full during hurricane season.
- Keep at least one vehicle filled with gasoline once the earliest predictions indicate a storm may threaten the state.
- Pre-purchase fuels (LP gas and gasoline) for generators at the start of hurricane season – properly stored fuels will last at least six months and can be transferred into a vehicle for use should no emergency arise.
- Use gasoline fuel stabilizer to keep gasoline fresh and ready to use when it is needed.
Fuel Safety:
- Refill fuel containers on the ground, not in the truck bed or trunk.
- Transport and store fuel ONLY in appropriate containers – look for DOT approved containers that close tightly and do not leak.
- NEVER store or transport gasoline in milk jugs or open top containers.
- Store fuel in a safe and well-ventilated location.
- Report Outages/Quality: To report fuel outages or quality issues before or after a hurricane, consumers should contact the department’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA, 1-800-FL-AYUDA en Español, or FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
Consumer Anti-Fraud Tips
Clean-up and repair scams: After disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear with promises of quick repairs, clean-up, and debris removal. Some may demand upfront payment and not do the work, claim you’ll get a discount but quote outrageous prices, or lack needed skills. Before you do business with any company providing these services:
- Do your research: Ask for IDs, licenses, proof of insurance, and references. See if local contact information is on their trucks. Check with FDACS’ Division of Consumer Services for complaints.
- Get another estimate: Check if other companies offering similar services are providing quotes with comparable prices.
- Review contracts carefully: Ensure all promises a company makes are in writing and that you understand what you’re signing.
- Never use cash: Always pay with a check or a credit card and never make the final payment until the work is complete.
Disaster Charity Scams: Scammers will often try to take advantage of the misfortune of others, including when disasters strike. Review FDACS consumer tips on donating wisely and avoiding charity scams.
What should consumers do?
- File a consumer complaint: To file a complaint, complete our online form or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español.
- Share your story: Share your story with friends and family or on social media to help others avoid falling victim.
Review consumer resources: Consumers can find helpful tips and recourse on our website: FloridaConsumerHelp.com
9:00 a.m.: Hurricane Ian slowly making turn more northward while intensifying. There will be impacts this week to virtually all of Florida.
5:00 a.m.: Ian becomes a Category 1 hurricane.
September 25, 2022
11:00 p.m.: Tropical Storm Ian grows in strength nearing hurricane-level intensity. The official track has moved slightly east.
8:00 p.m.: Tropical Storm Ian increased in strength Sunday evening as it traveled over warmer water. According to the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. advisory, the storm now has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and is still moving northwest at 12 mph.
5:00 p.m.: A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the lower Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge southward to Key West, including the Dry Tortugas.
Tropical Storm Ian weakened slightly Sunday afternoon, but forecasters still expected it to develop into a major hurricane when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.
The hurricane center said Ian is expected to take a turn toward the northwest by Sunday evening, followed by a north-northwestward motion on Monday.
8 a.m.: The track shows Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia in the forecast cone.
Ian is forecasted to rapidly strengthen later today with an increased risk of significant wind and storm surge for western Cuba.
September 24, 2022
11: p.m.: The track for Tropical Storm Ian has continued to shift west. First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma said impacts from the storm can extend outside of the cone presented.
5:00 p.m.: The latest track for Tropical Storm Ian shows a slight westward shift, with First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma saying there is still lots of uncertainty in where the storm will make landfall in Florida.
Ian is expected to become a Cat. 4 before weakening upon landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday.
1:50 p.m.: Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Florida’s request for a federal pre-landfall disaster declaration in anticipation of Ian. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Ian to become a major hurricane that could impact Florida as early as Wednesday, September 28.
Read the full letter HERE.
1 p.m.: Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded his state of emergency declaration to include the entire state of Florida.
Click here to read the updated Executive Order.
10:21 a.m.: Artemis I update: NASA says it is foregoing a launch opportunity Tuesday and preparing for rollback, while continuing to watch the weather forecast associated with Tropical Storm Ian.
9:27 a.m.: The St. Johns River Water Management District is preparing for Tropical Storm Ian’s potential impacts by taking the following actions:
- The District’s emergency operations team is closely monitoring the storm’s path and water levels to provide information to the public and be prepared to assist local government partners and other regional and state agencies as needed.
- In the Upper St. Johns River Basin and Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, the District manages a system of spillways, pump stations, levees, and canals. Using these structures, the District can adjust water levels for additional flood protection.
- Currently, the District has sufficient capacity to handle the current forecasted rainfall.
- Pump station operators throughout the Upper Basin are ready to ensure continued operations throughout the storm.
- Note that structures such as locks, spillways, pump stations, levees and canals in the headwaters of the St. Johns River in Brevard and Indian River counties and in the Harris Chain of Lakes in Lake County are the District’s only structural controls of water levels.
9:01 a.m.: The latest track for Tropical Storm Ian shows Northeast Florida in the forecast cone, but First Alert Meteorologist Corey Simma said there is still lots of uncertainty in where the storm will make landfall.
September 23, 2022
10:49 p.m.: Tropical Storm Ian has formed in the Caribbean. Forecast to impact Cuba early in the week next week and the Gulf Coast of Florida mid-week
6:21 p.m.: The St. Johns River Water Management District is proactively preparing for the storm by taking the following actions:
- The District’s emergency operations team is closely monitoring the storm’s path and water levels, so we can provide information to the public and be prepared to assist our local government partners and other regional and state agencies as needed.
- In the Upper St. Johns River Basin and Upper Ocklawaha River Basin, the District manages a system of spillways, pump stations, levees, and canals. Using these structures, the District can adjust water levels for additional flood protection.
- Currently, the District has sufficient capacity to handle the current forecasted rainfall. Pump station operators throughout the upper basin are ready to ensure continued operations throughout the storm.
- Note that structures such as locks, spillways, pump stations, levees and canals in the headwaters of the St. Johns River in Brevard and Indian River counties and in the Harris Chain of Lakes in Lake County are the District’s only structural controls of water levels.
Property owners should act now to be prepared for the storm’s heavy rains by:
- Keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches,
- Reporting clogged ditches to local governments,
- Cleaning out gutters and extending downspouts at least four feet from structures.
5:31 p.m.: Putnam County’s Emergency Management department is urging preparedness ahead of Tropical Depression 9.
“If you haven’t done so already, make sure you are prepared. Have your disaster supply kit stocked, make sure you have food and water, and discuss your emergency plan with your family,” the agency wrote in a post on its Facebook page.
5:13 p.m.: Ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Depression 9, Clay County Emergency Management shared a video on how people can make a disaster plan for their pets.
5:07 p.m.: Bradford County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Management Division is reminding residents that self-serve sandbags are available for this storm or future storms.
Those who think they may need sandbags for this or future storms can visit the self-serve sites at Bradford County Fire Rescue Stations 40 & 90. More information will be announced if additional sites open up.
4:55 p.m.: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding boaters to secure their vessels in the event of severe weather. FWC has issued the following reminders:
- Move your vessel if you can and protect it if you can’t.
- Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
- Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
- Do not stay onboard.
- Monitor weather broadcasts frequently and comply with evacuation orders when issued.
For more information, visit the FWC’s website.
4:50 p.m.: Attorney General Ashley Moody activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline with Tropical Depression Nine approaching the state. The activation comes following Governor Ron DeSantis’s state-of-emergency declaration for 24 counties.
In areas covered by the state of emergency, Floridians can report instances of severe price increases on essential commodities needed to prepare for the storm. Florida’s price gouging law only applies to commodities and services essential to preparing for, or recovering from, a storm within the areas of a declared state of emergency.
Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by using the No Scam app, visiting MyFloridaLegal.com or calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM. Attorney General Moody’s No Scam app can be downloaded for free on Apple and Android devices through the app store by searching No Scam.
4:46 p.m.: St. Johns County Emergency Management is sharing the following tips ahead of Tropical Depression 9′s potential impacts on the state:
- Make a Hurricane Plan. A key way to cope with a disaster is to have a plan. Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water. The Florida Department of Emergency Management provides an interactive online tool, Get a Plan!, to help families and businesses stay prepared.
- Determine risks to your home and property. Update your emergency plans and supplies before a storm threatens Florida. It’s important to stay prepared before and after a storm.
- Know your evacuation zone. Develop an emergency evacuation plan and review the plan carefully with your family and children. Don’t forget to include your pets in your evacuation plans.
- Keep Gas Tanks At Least Half Full – Residents are encouraged to keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages before a storm. For more information, please visit the following website: www.FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull
- Stay informed and connected. Identify your trusted sources of information for any severe weather event. Credible and timely information is critical to taking the appropriate actions in an emergency.
- Make a Disaster Supply kit. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last you and your family for a minimum of seven days. Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs. The following is a list of basic items to include:
- Water (at least one gallon a day per person for 5-7 days)
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least 5 to 7 days)
- Any necessary medications in their prescribed bottles (enough for two weeks)
- First aid kit
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Weather band radio
- Lanterns, candles, and matches
- Fuel and propane
- Pet care items (including any pet medications)
- Other vital documents (stored in a waterproof container)
4:28 p.m.: Columbia County officials are encouraging residents to monitor the county’s Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.
“Residents and visitors should use this time to establish their personal emergency plans with their families,” said Shayne Morgan, Columbia County Emergency Management Director. “Make sure you have the necessary items such as, cash, medicines, food and water for all members of the family.”
4:23 p.m.: Northeast Florida counties and cities are urging preparedness ahead of any possible impacts Tropical Depression 9 could have on Florida. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry issued the following statement:
“The City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the Tropics for local impacts. We are in communication with Florida Department of Emergency Management & local teams are communicating and closely watching any forecast changes that could impact the City of Jacksonville.”
Curry encouraged residents to visit the JaxReady website to know their evacuation zone.
4:10 p.m.: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 24 of Florida’s counties that are potentially in the path of Tropical Depression 9.
“Today, I signed an Executive Order issuing a State of Emergency due to the threat of Tropical Depression 9,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This storm has the potential to strengthen into a major hurricane and we encourage all Floridians to make their preparations. We are coordinating with all state and local government partners to track potential impacts of this storm.”
So far, no Northeast Florida counties are included in the declaration.
Click here to read DeSantis’ executive order on TD 9.
Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:
Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma
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