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'Please stay off the road: 'Jacksonville mayor urges safety amid upcoming wintry weather

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Jacksonville Mayor Lenny is urging people to stay off the road Wednesday after the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory.

In a press conference at the Emergency Operations Center in Jacksonville, Curry ordered the  closures for city government offices Wednesday for nonessential employees.

Starting at about 4 a.m., Curry said there could be severe weather and a lot of moisture that could create ice on the roads and bridges throughout the city. The mayor encouraged people to stay off the roads, particularly during high traffic time in the morning.

RELATED: Closures, shelters ahead of winter weather warning in Jacksonville area 

"The Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Highway Patrol and your public
Works Department here in Jacksonville are prepared and ready with situations that might occur," Curry said. "But again, this is not something that we experience on a regular basis so we're asking people to please stay off the roads if you can."

Curry said there is also a possibility of snow in the local area.  

WINTRY WEATHER: Check our Hour-by-Hour forecast for the latest  

He said weather conditions are expected to clear by Thursday. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority said bus schedules will continue its normal schedule on Wednesday. Curry said he will advise people if that changes.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office advised drivers to reduce speed and make sure your lights are on and pump the brakes if you're approaching a slick spot in the road. JSO also advised people to stay at home if they have the option.

Watch the briefing in full here: 

HAPPENING NOW | Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry will share information about the city's efforts in response to winter storm conditions. More details: http://bit.ly/2Cx381O

Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, January 2, 2018