NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA, Fla. — Nassau County Emergency Management (NassauEM) officials issued an evacuation order Wednesday night for two evacuation zones within the county, an hour and 45 minutes after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota County as "an extremely dangerous Category 3 hurricane."
Officials said in a Facebook post that according to the National Hurricane Center's latest updated forecast, "storm surge projections for Nassau County have increased."
"The maximum previous forecasted storm surge was approximately 3 feet 7 inches," NassauEM's post states. "The current projected storm surge has been forecasted at approximately 5 feet 1 inch. A portion of this surge forecast coincides with high tide, October 10, 2024 at 2:46 p.m."
Officials said they have elevated concerns for residents who live in zones A and D, as the projected storm surge has potential for water intrusion into homes during the high tide.
Zone A consists of the Egan's Creek area, all of Crane Island, all of Long Point, the area of 6th and Calhoun streets, and River Crossing Way (north of Bonnieview Road).
Zone D consists of all of Piney Island, all of Marsh Lakes, all of Holly Point, all of Brady Point, the Oyster Bay area, and all of River Marsh Bend.
Officials said if you live outside of zone A or zone D, but have concern for your individual safety, "please evacuate."
Residents who do not have a safe location to shelter, can find one at Wildlight Elementary, located at 550 Curiosity Ave. in Yulee; it will accept the general population, special needs residents, and pets with rabies vaccinations.
Officials said the evacuation order is not classified as mandatory or voluntary. It is an order issued for the safety and protection of residents.
Click here to find your evacuation zone.
Click here to read the full evacuation order.