Mayor Deegan of Jacksonville has expressed concerns over flooding and storm surge as Hurricane Milton approaches, expecting significant rainfall and strong winds. The city is under a Hurricane Watch, with emergency protocols activated and recommendations for residents to prepare. The JEA is readying for power outages, advising potential long restoration times. City offices and schools will close, and all waste collections are postponed during the storm.
In Jacksonville, Florida, Mayor Donna Deegan has identified flooding and storm surge as the primary concerns ahead of Hurricane Milton, expected to impact the region Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. Mayor Deegan indicated that unlike Hurricane Helene, which posed different challenges, Hurricane Milton brings particularly severe risks associated with rain and possible flooding. Duval County is currently under a Hurricane Watch, with forecasts predicting tropical storm-force winds ranging from 40 to 50 mph, with gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph. The mayor emphasized that low-lying areas like Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, and Downtown could experience flooding between 2 to 4 feet due to anticipated rainfall of 4 to 10 inches, given that the ground remains saturated from prior rains. The mayor has urged residents to finalize hurricane preparations by Tuesday evening and to refrain from road travel on Wednesday, advising those living in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground or shelter facilities. In anticipation of the storm’s impacts, a local state of emergency will be declared on Tuesday at 8 a.m., coinciding with a shift in the Emergency Operations Center from partial to full activation. Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has prepared its crews for potential power and water outages, cautioning that restoration efforts may face prolonged timelines due to widespread impacts expected from Hurricane Milton throughout Florida. The mayor announced that city offices, along with Duval County Public Schools, will be closed from Wednesday to Friday. Residents are also encouraged to secure any debris that could be problematic during the storm. The JTA will run services as long as conditions permit, offering free shuttles for residents in specific areas. All routine solid waste collections for Wednesday and Thursday have been suspended, with adjustments made for Saturday collections instead.
Jacksonville is preparing for Hurricane Milton, a potent storm posing significant risks of flooding and high winds. With Duval County placed under a Hurricane Watch, local authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impending challenges. Mayor Donna Deegan is focusing on the implications of heavy rainfall, noting that saturated ground conditions have heightened the risk of flooding, specifically in vulnerable neighborhoods. The emergency management response is being escalated, including the closure of schools and city offices as a precautionary measure. Utility providers such as JEA are also gearing up for potential storm impacts, signaling a strong community response to ensure safety and aid throughout the storm’s aftermath.
In summary, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has laid out significant concerns regarding Hurricane Milton, particularly flooding and storm surge, unlike previous storms. Residents are advised to make necessary preparations, with local emergency protocols initiated to address the anticipated impacts of high winds and heavy rainfall. Essential services are being modified to ensure the safety of residents, with power restoration efforts anticipated to face challenges. The community is urged to remain vigilant and assist in securing their properties during this critical time.
Original Source: www.news4jax.com
