JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Whenever the First Coast prepares for possible severe weather, Jacksonville residents ask an important question: Will any bridges close?
Bridges would close there are 40 mile per hour sustained winds for one minute or more.
If one bridge closed, that does not mean all of the bridges would close, because the bridges are at different elevations. The Mathews, the Dames Point, and the Hart Bridge could see stronger winds before some of the lower elevation bridges like the Fuller Warren, The Main Street and the Acosta.
The closures would happen suddenly and usually do not have early notice, as they are often closed right when the 40 mph sustained wind threshold is met. Closures should also be expected to be brief, since sustained winds and not periodic gusts are required for closures.
The rules are essentially the same across the First Coast. During Tropical Storm Idalia, the only bridge to close in the area was the Sidney Lanier in Brunswick.
We will update you if any bridges are closed during Milton's impacts.