Florence: Initial Flash

St Johns County Emergency Management spokesperson Kelly Wilson issued Historic City News the first Flash Announcement on Hurricane Florence as of 2:00 p.m. today.  The Emergency Operations Center is currently in Level 3 “monitoring” status.

Hurricane Florence is moving toward the northwest at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.  This general motion, accompanied by a gradual decrease in forward speed, is expected to continue through Saturday.

On the forecast track, the center of Florence will move over the southwestern Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda and the Bahamas today, and approach the coast of North Carolina or South Carolina in the hurricane warning area on Thursday and Friday and move slowly near the coastline through Saturday.

Florence is expected to bring life threatening storm surge and rainfall across portions of the Carolinas. 

Potential Local Impacts:

• Increasing potential of life-threatening rip currents along the Atlantic coast.

• Surf building to 4-6 feet today, and up to 6-8 feet tomorrow.

• The potential for significant beach erosion is increasing.

• Coastal Flood Advisory in effect through Friday.  Shallow tidal flooding possible around high tide along the coast.

• Significant rainfall is not expected.

Local Actions/Activities:

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

• St. Johns County Emergency Management is asking all staff with Emergency Operations Center related responsibilities to closely monitor the progress of this tropical system.