Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan reported that Hurricane Milton poses serious risks of flooding and storm surge, with heavy rainfall expected from Wednesday evening. A local state of emergency will be declared, and residents are urged to prepare for possible evacuations and service disruptions, with particular attention to flood-prone areas.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized that flooding and storm surge are the prime concerns associated with Hurricane Milton, which is forecasted to affect the region on Wednesday evening leading into Thursday morning. In contrast to the previous Hurricane Helene, the anticipated impacts from Milton are distinctly expected to include substantial rainfall accumulation. As of Monday evening, Duval County has been placed under a Hurricane Watch, with anticipated tropical storm winds reaching 40 to 50 mph and gusts potentially hitting 60 to 70 mph. Notably, areas along the beaches, the Intracoastal Waterway, and taller structures could witness even stronger conditions. Mayor Deegan highlighted a specific worry regarding flooding, noting that the soil was already saturated, with river levels elevated. The city is bracing for rainfall totals ranging from 4 to 6 inches, and possibly up to 10 inches in certain locations. This could lead to floodwater depths between 2 to 4 feet in vulnerable areas such as Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, and Downtown, as well as along tributaries like the Trout River and Moncrief Creek. The Mayor has urged all residents to finalize their hurricane preparations by Tuesday night and advised against traveling on Wednesday. Residents residing in flood-prone regions are encouraged to seek shelter on elevated ground or utilize city shelters. Moreover, Mayor Deegan announced that a local state of emergency would be proclaimed beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m., coinciding with the full activation of the Emergency Operations Center. The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has prepared its teams for potential service disruptions and cautioned that restoration efforts may differ from those during Hurricane Helene due to expected widespread impacts across the state. City services, including public schools, will suspend operations from Wednesday through Friday. Transport services provided by JTA will maintain operations as long as conditions remain safe, with special shuttles available for residents of Ken Knight Drive to access Legends Center. Solid waste collection will occur as scheduled on Tuesday, but services will be halted on Wednesday and Thursday, with any missed pickups rescheduled for Saturday. Mayor Deegan further advised residents to secure any debris and refrain from placing new waste on the streets until conditions stabilize. For additional inquiries, citizens are encouraged to contact the Jacksonville city services hotline or utilize the JaxREADY application.
Hurricane Milton is a developing storm projected to impact Jacksonville, Florida, with severe weather conditions expected. Mayor Donna Deegan is at the forefront of guiding residents through preparations and ensuring public safety, drawing comparisons to past storms such as Hurricane Helene. With heightened concerns regarding flooding due to already saturated ground and elevated river levels, the responses from municipal services, such as the JEA, and the declaration of a local state of emergency underscore the seriousness of the situation.
In summary, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has outlined a comprehensive plan for the impending Hurricane Milton, focusing on the risks of flooding and storm surge. With city authorities prepared to take action and citizens advised to remain vigilant, the administration is working to mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety during this significant weather event.
Original Source: www.news4jax.com
