Hurricane Milton: Major Concerns for Jacksonville as Flooding and Storm Surge Loom
Mayor Donna Deegan has stated that the primary concerns for Hurricane Milton, approaching Jacksonville, Florida, are flooding and storm surge, with expectations of 4 to 10 inches of rain leading to significant flooding in various neighborhoods. A local state of emergency is set for 8 a.m. Tuesday, urging residents to stay prepared and safe during the storm’s impact.
In Jacksonville, Florida, Mayor Donna Deegan has expressed heightened concerns regarding flooding and storm surge as Hurricane Milton approaches. This hurricane, currently classified as a Category 5 storm with wind speeds reaching 180 mph, is anticipated to affect the area from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, following the issuance of a Hurricane Watch for Duval County on Monday evening. During a press conference, Mayor Deegan indicated that residents should prepare for tropical storm force winds of 40 to 50 mph, with potential gusts escalating to 60 to 70 mph. However, due to geographical factors, certain locations such as the beaches, the Intracoastal along the St. Johns River, and high-profile structures may experience even stronger sustained winds. Mayor Deegan stated, “That’s what we’re most concerned about compared to what we were concerned about with Helene,” highlighting that the rain associated with Hurricane Milton poses a different challenge than that of previous hurricanes, particularly because of the already saturated ground and elevated river levels. Forecasts predict rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with the possibility of some areas receiving up to 10 inches. This substantial precipitation could lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods including Ortega, Riverside, San Marco, Southampton, Downtown, and areas along the Trout River, Ribault River, and Moncrief Creek, where flood levels may reach between 2 to 4 feet. As a precautionary measure, Mayor Deegan urged residents to finalize their hurricane preparations by Tuesday evening and to avoid travel on Wednesday. For those residing in flood-prone areas, she encouraged seeking shelter on higher ground or utilizing designated city shelters. Furthermore, the mayor announced that a local state of emergency would be enacted starting Tuesday at 8 a.m., coinciding with the full activation of the Emergency Operations Center. The city’s utility provider, JEA, has also informed customers to brace for potential power and water outages, noting that the restoration process may be prolonged due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Milton across the state. City services, including offices and Duval County Public Schools, will observe closures from Wednesday through Friday, and public transportation will operate only as safety permits. Garbage collection will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, but services for Wednesday and Thursday will be suspended and rescheduled. In light of these developments, residents are advised to secure any debris at their properties to mitigate hazards and to contact the city for further assistance.
Hurricanes pose significant threats to coastal regions, with flooding and storm surges being prominent dangers due to intense rainfall and high winds. As Hurricane Milton approaches Jacksonville, preparations and responses are critical. Historical patterns from previous hurricanes, such as Helene, provide insight into expected challenges, including power outages and evacuations, while local authorities strive to ensure public safety and readiness.
In summary, Mayor Donna Deegan is prioritizing preparations for Hurricane Milton, particularly regarding the impending risk of flooding due to excessive rainfall and storm surge. Residents are urged to finalize their hurricane readiness by Tuesday evening and to prioritize safety during the storm’s impact. The city is actively implementing measures to address potential disruptions in services and to maintain public safety throughout the hurricane’s approach.
Original Source: www.news4jax.com
