Hurricane Irma: Mandatory evacuations in Duval likely Friday, mayor says

KNOW YOUR ZONE: Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia evacuation zones

LATEST: Hurricane Irma maintaining strength, speed; Jose becomes Category 2 hurricane

Mayor Lenny Curry says mandatory evacuations are likely in Jacksonville Friday morning.

Irma is a Category 5 hurricane with winds up to 175 miles per hour.

Curry said at a joint press conference with Gov. Rick Scott Thursday that mandatory evacuations will likely be issued Friday morning if Irma's track remains the same or if the storm worsens.

Curry said the evacuation order would affect people in zones A and B and people who live in mobile homes or low-lying areas.

For the second day in a row, Curry urged anyone who can evacuate now to do so before traffic issues get worse.

"If you have the ability and you are in those areas, I'm asking you to please leave now," Curry said.

Curry said people should go north or west and seek refuge outside Irma's track.

He said those who are not able to evacuate are encouraged to go to shelters, which will be announced Thursday.

Curry said Jacksonville is not experiencing a fuel shortage but there is an issue with distribution.

Scott also stressed the importance of evacuating early if possible. He said storm surge will be a major concern during Irma.

He said every Florida family must prepare to evacuate.

Cox Media Group