** Beryl made landfall at 12:10 a.m. at Jacksonville Beach & is moving steadily west across Duval Co. The storm has been -- & will continue -- weakening. The center will move very near I-10 in Baker Co. with a gradual turn to the northwest then north. Movement through Tue. will be slow before "Beryl" is finally picked up by an approaching storms system from the west which will accelerate "Beryl" to the northeast over the Western Atlantic........
What you need to do now:
*** STAY CALM ***
-- Secure any loose objects or bring them inside
-- Check your supply of batteries and have them ready to be used
-- Avoid using candles
-- Clear away any debris on or near storm drains of your street
What to expect:
* Strong winds through Monday sustained 15-25 mph SW of Jax...20-35 mph near Jax...35-45 mph near the coast & beaches & north of Jax but with higher gusts. Realize a lull in the winds will occur within & near the center only to increase again from the south as the storm moves farther inland.
* Heavy rain bands through Monday that could cause localized flooding. Expect 4-8" of rain, more in some spots between through Tuesday night. Storm surge flooding of 2-4 feet above ground level, especially at times of high tide will be possible. San Marco and Riverside will be affected by storm surge and river flooding. Depending on the amount of rain and exact location/movement of "Beryl", flooding could be comparable to "Fay".
* Isolated tornadoes
* Power outages that could take a while to repair due to persistent wind and rain
* Some downed trees, limbs and branches.
* You will be able to get around Monday if absolutely necessary, but you must exercise caution and beware of the inherited risks when you're out and about during a tropical storm and it's associated weather hazards. Many emergency management officials recommend staying indoors and postponing any travel. Virtually all public services should be able to be open and fully functioning Tuesday.
So to recap, expect the following:
** The rip current risk at area beaches have already become dangerous & will increase even more.
** Winds will range from 15-35 mph sustained but with much higher gusts. Some sustained winds could still exceed 40 mph -- especially at & near the beaches -- as the eastern part of the circulation moves inland.
** There will also be at least an isolated tornado risk near & north & east of the center with the highest threat from through Monday with at least some threat later area wide late Mon.-Mon. night possibly lingering into Tue.
** Very heavy rain with the potential for 4-8"+ causing areas of flooding despite the long term drought.
So...
Through Tuesday: Persistent heavy rain bands this morning will become scattered but still heavy showers & thunderstorms in the afternoon & evening. Strongest winds in the morning will gradually decrease in the afternoon & evening but spike with rain bands. Isolated tornadoes will be possible into tonight.
The greatest threats from "Beryl" for the local area will be rip currents at the beaches, isolated tornadoes and flooding (despite the very dry conditions from the long term drought)....winds will drop some trees & power lines.
From what I've been able to research, it looks like this year will be the first year since 1887 -- & only the second time since 1851 -- that 2 tropical storms ("Alberto" formed in the W. Atlantic last weekend) have formed in the month of May in the same year in the Atlantic Basin. It'll be the first May landfall on the First Coast.
Tune in CBS47 & FOX30 for the latest weather information....click here to go to "Talking the Tropics With Mike".....click here to go the First Alert Hurricane Center....click here for high and low tide data from around the local area.
