Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan outlined the severe threats posed by Hurricane Milton, particularly flooding and storm surge, as the storm approaches the region. Residents are warned about significant rainfall and are urged to prepare accordingly, with emergency operations being activated and city offices closing to ensure public safety.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan of Jacksonville has announced that the primary concerns regarding Hurricane Milton are flooding and storm surge, distinguishing it from prior storms such as Hurricane Helene. Milton is anticipated to impact the Jacksonville area from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. Following the declaration of a Hurricane Watch for Duval County on Monday evening, the Mayor informed the public during a press conference that tropical storm force winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph are expected. Notably, sustained winds in coastal and high-profile areas may be even stronger. While the wind speeds forecasted are similar to those seen with Hurricane Helene, Mayor Deegan emphasized that the anticipated rainfall from Hurricane Milton presents a significantly different scenario. “That’s what we’re most concerned about compared to what we were concerned about with Helene,” Deegan noted, citing the combination of already saturated ground and elevated river levels as critical factors. The city expects significant rainfall, with estimates ranging from 4 to 6 inches and localized amounts potentially reaching up to 10 inches. This increase in precipitation is likely to result in flooding across various neighborhoods, including Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, and Downtown, where flood levels may reach between 2 to 4 feet. In light of these warnings, the Mayor urged residents to finalize their hurricane preparedness by Tuesday evening and advised against travel on Wednesday. Those living in flood-prone areas are encouraged to seek higher ground or utilize city shelters. Furthermore, starting Tuesday at 8 a.m., a local state of emergency will be declared, and the Emergency Operations Center will shift to full activation. The JEA has stated that its crews are prepared for storm impacts and warned customers to anticipate possible power and water outages. Given the anticipated widespread effects of Hurricane Milton across the state, restoration efforts may take longer than those experienced during Hurricane Helene. “Please be patient with us,” JEA spokesperson McAllister commented, noting that resource allocation from mutual aid crews will be a challenge. City offices and Duval County Public Schools will be closed from Wednesday through Friday; meanwhile, JTA will maintain operations as long as conditions remain safe. The St. Johns River Ferry will conclude its last trip on Tuesday morning. The Mayor also announced that while solid waste collection is set for Tuesday, collections for Wednesday and Thursday have been suspended, with adjustments made for Saturday. Residents are encouraged to secure any outdoor debris and to refrain from putting out new waste until conditions improve. For further inquiries, residents may contact the city at 630-CITY and are advised to download the JaxREADY app for updates.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Jacksonville faces significant weather threats, particularly concerning flooding and storm surge. Unlike its predecessor Hurricane Helene, which presented different risks, Hurricane Milton’s rainfall is projected to be substantial, raising fears of flooding across the city. Mayor Deegan’s comments highlight the increased level of concern this storm brings, emphasizing readiness and the urgency for residents to secure their homes and families to mitigate potential disaster impacts. The city has enacted emergency protocols and closures to safeguard public safety.
In conclusion, Mayor Deegan’s warnings regarding Hurricane Milton underscore the critical need for community preparedness against potential flooding and strong winds. With significant rainfall expected and areas already vulnerable to rising waters, residents are urged to take immediate actions to protect themselves and their property. City officials have implemented emergency measures and are coordinating resources to respond effectively to the forthcoming storm impacts.
Original Source: www.news4jax.com
