Urgent Hurricane Ian Update 9.28.2022 at 1:30PM
The latest information on Hurricane Ian can be found by clicking on this link. As of 9/28/2022 at 1:30PM.
The City of Neptune Beach is proactively taking steps to prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Ian as the storm continues to move North-Northeast. On Monday morning, the City activated provisions within the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Staff are in continuous dialogue with the Duval County Emergency Operation Center, our Beaches Partners, and will continue to provide updates, as necessary.
As of 10AM Wednesday morning, there isn’t an evacuation ordered for the beaches at this time. It is important to know your evacuation zone, you can check your zone by following this link Check Your Evacuation Zone Here. However, If you live in Zone A or B (most of Neptune Beach) and you flooded during Hurricane Irma, consider evacuating.
As more information becomes available from the Emergency Operations Center, any decision made will be done with safety of our Residents as the Number One priority, and protecting property is the secondary objective.
At 11AM coastal Duval County was placed on a Hurricane Watch, meaning that hurricane-force winds are possible within the next 48 hours.
Emergency plans (JAX Ready Preparedness and Response Guide) and emergency supply kits should already be fully-stocked. Continue to monitor official forecast sources. For information on Hurricane Preparedness, and to get the City of Neptune Beach’s latest updates, please visit: www.jaxready.com, www.hurricanes.gov/prepare, and register for the City’s mass notification system: AlertNeptune by clicking here: https://www.ci.neptune-beach.fl.us/subscribe and filling out the form.
SANDBAGS: In preparation for Hurricane Ian, the City of Neptune Beach is staging a sand-bagging station for its residents today, Tuesday, September 27th, from 11 am- 4 pm at the site of the Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center, 2004 Forest Avenue. Residents are asked to check in first next door at the Neptune Beach Public Works facility at 2010 Forest Avenue.
Residents are asked to bring their own shovels and will be allowed ten sandbags per household. A valid picture ID will be required as proof of residency, or a current utility bill.
The City will re-open the sand-bagging station tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28th, from 9 am – 4 pm, or until the supply lasts. Thank you.
Public Works: Aside from staffing the sandbag filling station, public works employees have secured sites around the City and taken care of yard debris and secured city facilities. Garbage cans at the beach and the parks have been picked up, and hurricane doors have been installed on City Hall.
Public Works employees continue to ensure that ditches, swales and drain inlets and outfalls are clear of debris ahead of the expected rains. As soon as any storm passes, Public Works will be activated to begin restoration and recovery, including removing fallen trees and limbs from roadways.
Public Works First Responders are actively closing in dune openings at Seagate Ave. and Atlantic Blvd.
If you need assistance, please contact the non-emergency number for the Neptune Beach Police Department: (904) 270-2413, or 9111 for any emergency.
Dangerous Debris: High winds are expected, the City requests that all Residents secure lightweight outdoor items, like lawn furniture, yard signs, and garbage cans. Any unsecured items have the potential to cause damage to your property or your neighbors property.
If a Resident sees yard debris that hasn’t been picked up, the City would like to know by notifying Cheryl Bäck at: (904) 270-2400, ext. 31 or by emailing : acm@nbfl.us. Be aware that falling limbs can cause severe injury or death.
Steer Clear of Flooded Roads: There is potential for Ian to produce significant rainfall throughout Duval County and Northeast Florida, and a storm surge warning, has been issued for our area in addition to a Hurricane Watch.
Beach and Oceanfront: Currently, dangerous surf conditions exist at the beach, stay out of the water. Resources may not be available to help if you get into trouble while in the water. Please do not swim, surf, or otherwise enter the water on any boat or any other vessel until further notice. Please stay at home, don’t visit the beaches and create unnecessary road traffic, and/or risk to public safety officials.
Bridges: Please consider when making plans that if bridges close, you will not be able to return home until they reopen. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to monitor wind conditions at area bridges. If winds exceed specified levels, FDOT will work with all law enforcement to close affected bridges. Any bridge closure will be communicated via: https://www.ci.neptune-beach.fl.us/, local media channels, social media, the JaxReady mobile app, and AlertNeptune.
If the Kings Road Bridge floods, the “back gate” through Jacksonville Beach is open (Seagate/Lakeside Gate).
Details of the Storm: As of 11AM, Hurricane Ian is expected to exit the state on the Atlantic side between Daytona Beach and Cape Canaveral. Wind at the Beaches is expected to be at least Tropical Storm sustained winds of 18-24 MPH with gusts between 40-70 MPH. Potential Storm Surge for the Intracoastal, Saint Johns River and Atlantic Coast is between 3-5ft. Surge will increase if Ian emerges South of the City into the Atlantic and travels North along the Atlantic Coast. Storm Surge is expected as early as Wednesday evening, peaking Thursday Night and Friday morning.
Extreme rainfall is expected with 10-15” of rain for most parts of Duval County and potentially 18-24” at the beaches. At this time the tornado threat is low.
Flooding Impact: Moderate tidal flooding is expected, likely approaching the worst Thursday evening during hightide. Major flooding due to high tide, heavy rainfall and storm surge expected along the St. Johns River basin. If Residents flooded during Irma, it is expected that they will flood again, and now is the time to take precautions.
Avoid walking through deep or rushing water. If you need assistance crossing deep or moving water, please call the NBPD non-emergency number: (904) 270-2413, or 911 if an emergency.
Garbage Collection: County landfills are closed, and garbage collection has been suspended. Please secure all garbage cans and recycling bins inside or tie them down. Further information will be available about operations resuming later this week.
City Services: To give City Hall staff time to prepare for the incoming weather at their own homes, City Hall will be closed beginning at Noon on Wednesday, all-day Thursday and Friday and is expected to reopen on Monday. The Police Department and Public Works will operate as usual until it is unsafe for staff and officers to be outside. At this time, it is believed that emergency operations will continue through the duration of the storm.
Evacuation: There aren’t evacuations ordered at this time, but it is always prudent to know your evacuation route.
Shelters: Duval County Public Schools have activated shelters. Currently Residents may go to an emergency shelter at Legends Center: 51303 Soutel Dr. Jacksonville, Fl. 32208, LaVilla Middle School: 501 N. Davis St. Jacksonville, Fl. 32202, Landmark Middle School: 101 Kernan Blvd. N. Jacksonville, Fl. 32225 and Atlantic Coast High School: 9735 R G Skinner Pkwy. Jacksonville, FL. 32256, beginning at 5PM today.
Declaration of Emergency: The City Council declared a state of emergency, September 27, 2022 at 3:30 PM.
As more information becomes available, the City will notify Residents through AlertNeptune and social media.
**Submitted by City Manager Stefen Wynn at 1:30PM, September 28, 2022