Hurricane Idalia Tuesday updates: Emergency shelters open in Duval County

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES ON HURRICANE IDALIA, see our live blog for Wednesday.

Idalia strengthened into a hurricane early Tuesday and is forecast to become a Category 3 storm before making landfall Wednesday in Florida's Big Bend region.

As portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast prepare for the possibility of "life-threatening storm surge," all of Northeast Florida is under a Tropical Storm Warning, meaning sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher are expected within 36 hours.

Public schools in Duval and Nassau counties are closed today; others in Clay and St. Johns will close on Wednesday. Other educational institutions and government offices as well as some businesses, too, have announced closings in advance of the storm.

Key resources:

• Where is Hurricane Idalia? See radars tracking the storm near Jacksonville, Florida

• Hurricane Idalia timeline: When to expect tropical-force winds, storm surges, landfall

• Jacksonville-area closings and cancellations, including schools

• At what wind speed do Florida bridges shut down due to hurricane-force winds? Some answers.

• Hurricane evacuation zones: Here's what you need to know in Duval County

JaxPort closed, now under Port Condition Zulu

Effective 8 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard set Port Condition Zulu for JaxPort, which in essence closes the port to most activities.

8 p.m. Hurricane Idalia advisory: Storm strengthens, up to 105 mph

The predicted rapid intensification is continuing for Hurricane Idalia, which is now up to 105 mph sustained winds in the National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. advisory. The center projects that the storm will soon become a major (Category 3) hurricane. Here are the key figures:

• Position of center: 26.9 N, 84.7 W

• Movement: North at 16 mph

• Minimum central pressure: 965 mb

The central pressure continues to decrease for Idalia, a sign of a storm quickly gaining intensity. The center predicts that Idalia will likely retain its hurricane status inland over southern Georgia, although hurricane-force winds do not extend more than 25 miles from the center. For Northeast Florida, storm surge is expected to remain around 1 to 3 feet, while Jacksonville's chances of receiving winds of 50 knots (58+ mph) are estimated below 30 percent as of Tuesday evening.

Jacksonville-area restaurant closings due to Hurricane Idalia

Northeast Florida restaurants are monitoring Hurricane Idalia, which is approaching Florida and expected to impact the Jacksonville area Wednesday. Some have announced they will be closed on Wednesday. - Teresa Stepzinski

When do bridges close during a hurricane in Florida?

Bridges aren't closing now, but what happens when Hurricane Idalia's winds pick up? Here's what Jacksonville motorists need to know about bridge closures due to wind.

Which Florida airports are open, closed as Hurricane Idalia nears landfall as potential Category 3?

Are Florida airports open? Here's a roundup of Florida airports and which are closed as Hurricane Idalia nears landfall in Florida. - Jennifer Sangalang

Jaguars cancel afternoon meetings Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Idalia

Wild weather has also altered NFL plans: The Jacksonville Jaguars have canceled afternoon meetings Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Idalia's landfall. - Demetrius Harvey

JEA head: 2,100 employees ready to restore power from Idalia

Key notes from Tuesday evening's news conference with Mayor Donna Deegan and multiple city officials.

• JEA's Jay Stowe said 2,100 employees as well as 500 workers from outside the area are ready to restore power outages from Hurricane Idalia.

• Duval County Public Schools officials have not yet made a final decision about the status of Friday night high school football games. Earlier Tuesday, several schools had announced the postponement of their games, but two of those games returned to the schedule.

• Isolated tornado risks begin Tuesday night and can continue through Wednesday afternoon.

• City crews have been working all day to clear storm drains, and traffic signal trucks are stationed to restore traffic lights if they are knocked out.

• Garbage, recycling and yard waste services scheduled for Wednesday will move back to Saturday.

Mayor: All lifeguards have left Duval County beaches

Mayor Donna Deegan urged residents to stay away from the beach during Hurricane Idalia's approach. All lifeguards left the beach as of 5 p.m.

JEA warns of likely power outages from Hurricane Idalia

With the hurricane's outer bands moving closer to Jacksonville, JEA is preparing for likely outages. On its website, the utility posted a message to customers: "The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that JEA's service territory will experience tropical storm- or hurricane-force winds within the next 24-48 hours. JEA is readying all service crews and employees to respond to impacts from the storm. We encourage customers to make final storm preparations, as we are likely to experience widespread outages and customers may be without power for several days."

Mayor Donna Deegan to speak at 6:05 p.m. on Hurricane Idalia

Topics are expected to include a new shelter opening near Baldwin as well as implications from new National Hurricane Center forecasts.

5 p.m. Hurricane Idalia advisory: Storm strengthens to Category 2, Hurricane Watch for Southeast Georgia

A Hurricane Watch is now in effect for Southeast Georgia, from the Florida-Georgia line to Edisto Beach, S.C. Idalia is continuing to strengthen as well, with sustained winds up to 100 mph for Category 2 status. Here are the key numbers from the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. advisory.

• Position of the center: 26.1 N, 84.8 W, 300 miles south of Tallahassee

• Movement: North at 16 mph

• Minimum central pressure: 972 mb

Because of the storm's speed of motion, the hurricane center anticipates that Idalia might retain hurricane intensity across southern Georgia. Idalia also has a broad wind field: Tropical storm-force winds extend 160 miles from the center, though hurricane-force winds stretch only 25 miles.

Duval County has no evacuation orders but JTA will offer rides to emergency shelters

Mayor Donna Deegan and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced that specially marked buses will provide rides to residents who want to stay at emergency shelters while Hurricane Idalia powers through Florida and delivers its heaviest dose of weather to Northeast Florida on Wednesday afternoon. - David Bauerlein

Hurricane Idalia postpones community meeting in superintendent search

Among the other postponements from Hurricane Idalia: the scheduled community meeting at Raines High School to address Duval County Public Schools' search for a new superintendent. That meeting is now rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Will Jacksonville be affected by Hurricane Idalia? Here's what the forecast says.

Hurricane Idalia is nearing landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is expected to hit Northeast Florida with high winds and potential flooding on Wednesday. The forecast calls for Idalia to strengthen into a major Category 3 hurricane before making landfall near Cedar Key late Tuesday night or early Wednesday.  Here is what we know as Hurricane Idalia approaches Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. - Alexandria Mansfield

How does the National Hurricane Center track storms like Hurricane Idalia?

The National Hurricane Center's track forecast cone, also known as the "cone of uncertainty," may be its most well-known graphic, but it's often misunderstood. - Ramon Padilla, Cecilia Garzella, Dinah Voyles Pulver and Doyle Rice

Gov. Ron DeSantis orders tolls to be suspended on some Florida roads ahead of Idalia

As Hurricane Idalia takes aim at Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended tolls on some roads to help residents and visitors evacuate. - Cheryl McCloud

Sheriff: Police to step up patrol ahead of Hurricane Idalia

In an announcement posted to social media, Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is placing 60 additional officers on patrol force with Hurricane Idalia approaching. JSO is planning to increase officers by 100 beginning Thursday after the hurricane passes.

Looking for new view on Hurricane Idalia? Check out the live webcams

Hurricane Idalia is still a long way from the First Coast, but the storm is already making an impact in southwestern Florida. See the current situation in these live webcams.

Need sandbags before Hurricane Idalia? Here’s where St. Johns County residents can get them

The city of St. Augustine will begin free sand and sandbag distribution at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Francis Field located at 25 West Castillo Drive. Sandbags will be limited to 20 bags per individual. Everyone is required to fill their own sandbags, and personal shovels are required. Unlike St. Johns County, Duval County is not making sandbags available. - Lucia Viti

Double trouble? One computer model predicts Hurricane Idalia could loop, strike Florida again

After a projected Gulf Coast landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, at least one path prediction shows Hurricane Idalia returning south in the Atlantic for another landfall in Central or South Florida. - Corey Arwood, TC Palm

City plans to open Baldwin shelter for Hurricane Idalia, location not yet confirmed

In addition to the six shelters already open in Duval County, city officials announced plans to open a seventh shelter for Hurricane Idalia in the Baldwin area. The exact location remains to be determined.

DeSantis: Florida to seek disaster relief

During a press conference in Lake City, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state is seeking a federal declaration of a major disaster, which will make resources available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Hurricane Idalia shelter: Shuttles active for Legends Center

Beginning at 12 p.m., the city of Jacksonville activated shuttles to transport residents to and from the Legends Center shelter in Northwest Jacksonville. Shuttles will begin at Bus Stop 3991 at the intersection of Moncrief Road and Ken Knight Drive, running every 30 minutes to the Legends Center until conditions worsen.

2 p.m. Hurricane Idalia update: Sustained winds increase to 90 mph

Hurricane Idalia's winds have again strengthened in the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, increasing to 90 mph. Here's the key information:

• Position of the center: 25.2 N, 84.9 W

• Movement: North at 15 mph

• Minimum central pressure: 974 mb

Currently, the National Hurricane Center estimates, tropical storm-force winds (39+ mph) extend up to 160 miles from the center of circulation, while hurricane-force winds extend 15 miles. The hurricane's outer squall lines are beginning to affect Florida. Forecasters continue to expect rapid intensification before Idalia's expected landfall Wednesday.

Hurricane Idalia shelters are open in Nassau County

As in Duval and St. Johns counties, Nassau County also has a shelter available. The county is under an evacuation order for three categories: power-dependent, special needs individuals, residents who reside in flood-prone areas and residents who reside in vulnerable structures and mobile homes.

The Nassau County shelter location is Wildlight Elementary, 550 Curiosity Avenue in Yulee. The shelter opened Tuesday morning to the general population, individuals with special needs and pets with rabies vaccinations.

Those needing transportation to reach the shelter should contact the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center at 904-548-0900.

Coast Guard sets Port Condition Yankee for JaxPort

With Hurricane Idalia forecast to strike Florida Wednesday, preparedness steps are ramping up for shipping at JaxPort. Effective at noon, the Coast Guard set Port Condition Yankee, which closes the port to most large vessels and halts many port operations. Inbound trucking lanes close at 3 p.m., and all trucks must leave JaxPort by 5 p.m. At 8 p.m., the Coast Guard is expected to set Port Condition Zulu, which will in effect close the port. Reopening is planned for Thursday. - Clayton Freeman

High school sports schedule takes hit from Hurricane Idalia: See postponements, cancellations

More than a half-dozen varsity football games, as well as dozens of contests in volleyball, cross country, golf and more, are off the Jacksonville-area high school schedule because of Hurricane Idalia. See the list here. - Clayton Freeman

Noon update on city preparedness for Hurricane Idalia

Emergency shelters open in Duval County in advance of Hurricane Idalia

The following emergency shelters are now open in Duval County:

• The Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive:  general population

• Chimney Lakes Elementary, 9353 Staples Mill Drive: general population and pets

• Landmark Middle, 101 Kernan Blvd.: general population and pets

• Atlantic Coast High School, 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway:for residents with special needs

• Oceanway Elementary, 12555 Gillespie Ave.: general population

• LaVilla School of the Arts, 501 N. Davis St.: for people experiencing homelessness

Those seeking emergency shelter should bring the following items:

• Air mattress, blankets, pillows or other bedding

• Food, water and medication

• Important papers

• Games, toys and books

• Other safety, hygiene and comfort items

• Emergency supply kit

For more information on shelters, visit jaxready.com.shelter.

Beginning at noon, JTA will offer free transportation to the shelters for those who need it.

11 a.m. hurricane update: Idalia's sustained winds increase to 85 mph

Hurricane Idalia has grown even stronger, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Idalia is expected to continue intensifying and become a strong Category 3 hurricane before making landfall Wednesday.

Forecasters are warning storm surge associated with the tropical cyclone could reach 10 to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected somewhere between Aucilla River and Yankeetown.

Changes associated with the 11 a.m. advisory include:

• Catastrophic impacts from storm surge inundation of 10 to 15 feet above ground level and destructive waves are expected somewhere between Aucilla River and Yankeetown.

• Idalia is continuing to strengthen, with maximum sustained winds at 85 mph.

• Outer bands from Hurricane Idalia are approaching coastal Collier County.

• Tropical storm warnings and watches have been extended into portions of Georgia, and North and South Carolina.

A major hurricane is a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm or higher. A storm becomes a Category 3 hurricane when sustained wind speeds reach at least 111 mph. - Cheryl McCloud

JTA suspends St. Johns River Ferry service; bus, Skyway operations continue to operate Tuesday

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority announced earlier this morning that it had suspended St. Johns River Ferry service, moving the ferry boat to a "secure location" until JTA can restart the ferry rides. JTA also plans to suspend its bus service, ReadiRide, Express Select, Skyway and paratransit service beginning Wednesday and plans to resume those transit options Thursday, depending on the severity of damage from the storm. JTA's customer service will be open during normal business hours from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to answer questions by calling (904) 630-3100. (See the agency's website for more information.) - Gary T. Mills

St. Johns County issues 5 p.m. mandatory evacuation for some residents, opens shelters

St. Johns County has issued a mandatory evacuation order effective at 5 p.m. Tuesday, for all residents living in low-lying, flood-prone areas, or on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or similar conveyance. The county will also open two storm shelters at 5 p.m. Tuesday:

• Solomon Calhoun Community Center, 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine: General population and pet shelter

• St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building, 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine: For residents with special medical needs

Those who seek shelter should bring their own supplies, including:

• At least a five-day supply of medications, insulin, and a cooler if you are diabetic

• Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies

• Extra clothing, eyeglasses

• Books, magazines, cards, games, etc.

• Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge

• Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener

• Personal identification/important papers

A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested.

For more information, visit the county's website for storm-related information. - Gary T. Mills

Duval County Public Schools close in advance of Hurricane Idalia

Duval County schools will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday because of the approach of Idalia, school officials said Monday.

The school system has set up a webpage — dcps.duvalschools.org/Idalia — where information will be posted about its response to the hurricane.

Several schools will be used as hurricane shelters during the storm, which could add complications to the system’s storm response, particularly if some shelters need to remain in use past Wednesday. (See our list of other school, government office and business closings.) - Gary T. Mills

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Hurricane Idalia Tuesday updates for Jacksonville, Northeast Florida