JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Emergency officials in Duval and St. Johns counties are urging residents to avoid flooded roads, stay out of the ocean and secure loose outdoor items as a local nor’easter and unusually high tides bring hazardous conditions this weekend.
A Coastal Flood Watch is in effect through Monday, Oct. 26, for the Atlantic coast, Intracoastal Waterway and St. Johns River Basin. As of Saturday afternoon, multiple counties in our area are under coastal flood warnings.
Flooding will be worst around high tide, beginning Saturday evening. The highest water levels are expected near the Sunday and Monday morning high tides. The First Alert Weather Team is forecasting moderate to major tidal flooding and beach erosion.
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Water could cover coastal and riverfront roads and enter homes and businesses in low-lying areas.
Gusts up to 45 mph are possible along the coast from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. St. Johns County officials said winds could reach Wind Advisory levels through Monday.
The winds could bring down trees and limbs and cause power outages. Scattered showers will move off the Atlantic mainly in NE Florida at the coast and the St. Johns River Basin.
Surf conditions will be dangerous, with a high risk of rip currents and significant beach erosion expected. A Gale Watch is in effect for marine waters Saturday through Monday, with seas of 10 to 16 feet offshore.
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Area residents are encouraged to:
- Move vehicles and valuables out of areas prone to tidal flooding, and secure or bring in patio furniture, trash cans and other loose items.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can sweep a vehicle away.
- Slow down on wet roads and find alternate routes around barricades, debris or standing water.
- Avoid parking or standing under trees during gusty winds.
- Stay out of the surf and use caution near beaches and waterways.
- Report downed power lines or hazardous trees in Jacksonville by calling 904-630-CITY (2489).
Stay up to date on current weather conditions with the First Alert Weather Team.
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Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs
INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood
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