JACKSONVILLE, Florida — Though forecasts for Hurricane Dorian seem a bit more positive with the storm shifting east, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry still wants citizens to be prepared and, most importantly, know their evacuations zones.
"Currently, the projections of Dorian's movement seems slightly, slightly in our favor," he said during Saturday's 5 p.m. news conference. "While there is a little bit of optimism here, we cannot be complacent. Stay vigilant, aware, continue to prepare and know your evacuation zone."
Curry said Jacksonville is not under any watches or warnings nor has he declared an emergency or evacuation. However, changes could be influenced by any new developments from weather experts in the next 12 to 24 hours.
"We've already prepared and can quickly engage multiple shelter locations, including pet-friendly locations and those with special medical needs," he said.
Citizens with special medical needs can go to coj.net/specialmedicalneeds for more information.
Latest observations from Hurricane Dorian still show the strong Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. This storm is expected to expand in size this weekend as it'll remain a very powerful storm.
"We're breathing somewhat of a sigh of relief here, however, there are still some models that show a track hugging the coast or even drifting a little inland," said a representative from the National Weather Service. "It just takes a little wobble to the west with this storm to cause a major change in impacts."
Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Diana Greene said all school-related activities are canceled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Green said Sunday will present a better opportunity to determine any changes.