Hurricane Irma: Jacksonville bridges could close for up to 12 hours

LIST: Mandatory evacuations for Florida, Georgia counties
MAPS: Florida, Georgia evacuation zones
FACEBOOK: Live storm feeds, updates, stories, photos 
TWITTER: Latest on Jacksonville, St. Augustine preparations

Jacksonville officials are urging people to seek shelter and be at their destination to ride out Hurricane Irma by 8 p.m. Saturday.

Officials said despite Irma's track shifting west, the storm is not only a west coast problem.

"Jacksonville is under serious threat," Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said.

Jacksonville's coast will likely see wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour with sustained winds at 40 mph elsewhere in Jacksonville.

"I want people to stop and think about what that kind of speed means," Curry said. "Imagine something hitting you at 40 mph, and friends, this could go on for 12 hours."

LATEST: Hurricane Irma expected to strengthen on approach to Florida

Jacksonville's bridges will close if sustained winds reach 40 mph.

Sheriff Mike Williams said people should anticipate the bridges being closed for up to 12 hours during the storm.

Law enforcement will be at the base of bridges to stop drivers from crossing.

Curry said flooding is the next major hazard. Flash flood watches are in effect for several areas.

Between 3 and 4 feet of storm surge is expected for coastal communities.

Tornado and water spouts are also likely and could begin as early as Sunday.

Latest Irma news

• Jacksonville area shelter information
• Photos: Some quirky Hurricane Irma hacks
• 10 safest cities in Florida in a hurricane
• You can video chat with a doctor if your kid gets sick during Irma

Curry said Saturday afternoon that there is still plenty of room at shelters.

He said there will be supplies at shelters but Curry is urging people to bring whatever resources they have with them.

Public transportation including to shelters will end at midnight, Curry said.

MAP, ADDRESSES: Jacksonville-area shelters

Cox Media Group