Tropical Storm Hermine Situation Report at noon

Tropical Storm Hermine is located about 220 miles west of Tampa and the St Johns County Emergency Management Office has informed local Historic City News reporters that the storm is moving north-northeast at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. A slight increase in forward speed is expected during the next day or so.

On the forecast track, the center of Hermine will be near the Florida coast in the hurricane warning area tonight or early Friday.

Rain chances will increase with the potential for locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds of tropical storm strength in squalls this evening through Friday as the system moves across the North Florida.

Potential Local Impacts:

A moderate risk of rip currents through today, a high risk of rip currents beginning Friday. Locally heavy rainfall will be possible through Friday across portions of St. Johns County with rainfall totals potentially reaching 5-7 inches. Localized flooding from pockets of heavy rainfall is possible.

If you have experienced storm tide flooding problems from past tropical storm events you will likely experience flooding again with this storm.

Isolated tornadoes are possible and the tornado threat is increasing, particularly during the day on Friday.

Deteriorating marine conditions over the adjacent Atlantic waters late tonight through Friday.

St. Johns County is under a Tropical Storm Warning.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area, within 36 hours.

Florida State EOC is activated to a Level 1.

• Today’s Weather: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

• Tonight’s Weather: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 7pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7pm and 5am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a low around 76. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

• Tomorrow’s Weather: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Cloudy, with a high near 86. South wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Red Flag conditions exist on all St. Johns County beaches and Marine Rescue is advising beachgoers to not enter the ocean. Lifeguards towers will not be staffed for the duration of the storm. However, Marine Rescue zone patrols will be continuing.

St. Johns County is providing free sandbags for residents in preparation for Tropical Storm Hermine at the following five locations:

• Ron Parker Park – 607 Old Beach Road.
• Sims Pit – 536 S. Holmes Boulevard.
• Town of Hastings Town Hall – 6195 S. Main Street, behind the building.
• Mills Field – 1805 Racetrack Road, in the overflow parking area.
• Palm Valley – Under the Palm Valley Bridge on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway.

St. Johns County Emergency Management is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine and is participating in conference calls with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, National Weather Service Jacksonville and National Hurricane Center for the most up-to-date information.

St. Johns County Emergency Management is requesting that any departments or organizations that are taking any actions relative to the storm please advise us by email so the information can be added to the situation reports.

Now would be a good time for all citizens to review their emergency plan and supplies, as well as determine their Evacuation Zone by going to our website www.sjcemergencymanagement.com and clicking on the My Evacuation Zone link.

Please take this time to make sure that your NOAA weather radio is operational.  The programming numbers for the NOAA weather radios are as follows:

• Northern St. Johns County – Jacksonville Transmitter – 162.550
• Southern St. Johns County – Palatka Transmitter – 162.425
• A.M.E number for specific County programming 012109

The next Situation Report will be issued tomorrow at 12:00 pm unless conditions dictate an earlier report.