JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mayor Donna Deegan is declaring a local state of emergency for Duval County. Tropical Storm Debby is expected to head toward the southeast Gulf of Mexico tonight and is picking up strength.
The local state of emergency began Sunday at 8 a.m. and was approved around 10 a.m. at a special called Jacksonville City Council meeting. Three shelters are going to be open LaVilla Middle School, Landmark Middle School and Legends Center, which will open 5 p.m.
JFRD Chief Keith Powers said he has crews ready to go. He said to expect flooding in the Ken Knight Drive area. Multiple teams will be deployed throughout the city Sunday evening as rains pick up.
"The track is going to continually shift," Powers said.
He said to call 630-CITY for non life threatening tree debris. Director of Public Works Nina Sickler said debris removal contractor will be one site handling after the emergency is over.
JSO Sheriff T.K. Waters said 30 extra police officers were coming in Sunday. he urged residents to not drive through standing water.
Emergency Preparedness Division Chief Andre Ayoub said the storm warnings have been issued for several areas but not Duval County. It is expected to make landfall late Sunday night or Monday morning. He said residents should expect 6-to-8 inches of rain with the current track, with isolated tornadoes, strong rip currents and tropical storm force winds.
He urged residents to check emergency kits and have a plan with your family. He said sandbags are not sufficient during severe flooding events.
The city warns of the potential for heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, frequent lightning, and life-threatening flooding in low lying areas of Jacksonville. The heaviest rainfall is expected to begin Sunday evening then continue through Monday.
With recent forecast models showing an increased potential for heavy rains and flash flooding, M. This is a necessary step to initiate the local resources that are needed to protect the public during the storm.
Duval County Emergency Operations Center will fully activate to bring together key agencies and personnel to coordinate final storm preparations, quickly deploy resources and provide real-time response, the release said.
630-CITY (2489) will also open phone lines at 8 a.m. to answer any questions.
The City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division continues to closely monitor Tropical Storm Debby. Our partners stand ready to mobilize and respond as the tropical system approaches.
The city asks residents to assess their home and property, avoid driving through flooded roads, clean drains and gutters and keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts.
