Communities all over the First Coast are preparing for Tropical Storm Helene including the area's prominent Navy bases.
Three ships set out to sea Tuesday evening from Naval Station Mayport. The ships left days ahead of Tropical Storm Helene to properly prepare for what's to come.
"Ready to support our country and get our ships to sea and we need to that’s where they should be with incoming weather because it’s better refuge for our ships but also in response for afterwards," said Capt. Brian Binder, Naval Station Mayport Commanding Officer.
The Naval ships that left Tuesday will be on the eastern end of the storm, according to Binder.
"Naval Station Mayport ran pretty fast. We started early this weekend and then had meetings starting yesterday morning," he said, "I'm just so impressed with this team and how fast we can maneuver and operate."
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is preparing the city for the incoming storm.
According to the mayor, city workers are taking care of trees, drains and securing loose items. While also opening five shelters and Jacksonville Transportation Authority will provide free transportation to them.
Those shelters are:
- Atlantic Coast High School
- Chafee Trail Elementary
- Landmark Middle School
- LaVilla School for the Arts
- Legends Center
Back at Mayport, Capt. Binder said the remaining ships and aircrafts are also being protected from strong winds, so they're being repositioned over the next day.
"It’s easy to say just another storm, but I challenge everyone just like we challenge our team here, don’t think that way and we have to have a healthy respect for the storm," said Binder.
According to Deegan you can call 630-CITY to report any issues or ask questions.