'We need to prepare' for Ian's high winds and heavy rain in Jacksonville, weather service says
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As Hurricane Ian slowly moves toward Florida's west coast en route to potential landfall near Tampa and a potential track through Northeast Florida, what can the Jacksonville area expect as far as wind, rain and handling its effects?
The National Hurricane Center said Ian, upgraded Monday morning to a Category 1 storm, is southeast of Cuba's western tip with sustained 75 mph winds. Potential storm tracks show the eye drifting inland, then west of Jacksonville, or drifting a little more across Northeast Florida, National Weather Service meteorologist Angie Enyedi said.
Hurricane Ian continues to strengthen: Hurricane watch issued for portions of Florida
Cone of uncertainty: See the latest graphic from the NHC
That still means local residents should prepare now for a "significant storm," Enyedi said from its Jacksonville International Airport operations.
"There's high confidence of tropical storm conditions through Thursday, really ramping up Wednesday night through Thursday," Enyedi said. "Then the potential of the tropical storm force winds decreases as we get into and through the day Friday."
The National Weather Service expects strong winds, coastal flooding, beach erosion and bands of heavy rainfall. Inland areas could also see heavy rain and river flooding, as well as isolated tornados, the weather service said. There is a potential for tropical storm force winds, 39 to upwards of 74 mph, as early as Wednesday. Those winds are more likely late Wednesday night into early Thursday, the weather service said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis extended a state of emergency Saturday afternoon for all 67 Florida counties in preparation for Ian, as the weather service says residents should keep tabs on Ian via the National Hurricane Center and local Emergency Management authorities.
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How much rain might we expect?
Enyedi said the most widespread threat is flooding rainfall, warning residents in low-lying areas that have flooded in past big storms that this impact "could be quite excessive." The forecast is for 10 to 15 inches of rain between Wednesday and Thursday night, even the possibility of close to 20 inches in some areas, she said. A southerly wind over the St. Johns River when Ian is closing in on Jacksonville could see flooding in the downtown area, she said.
"If you flooded in Irma, now is the time to take precautions," she said. "... The more vulnerable areas again will be in open areas on the coast and really focused in the St. Johns River basin."
Other weather issues?
Sustained strong winds could be tropical storm strength, 39 mph and more, blowing for hours, Enyedi said. And there could be hurricane-force (over 75 mph) wind gusts, she added.
Satellite images: See latest satellite image from NOAA, for a clearer picture of the storm's size
'Make preparations now': DeSantis urges vigilance as Ian poised to strike as major hurricane
Might some areas be evacuated and where can I find my evacuation zone?
Jacksonville posts an updated hurricane evacuation zone map at welcome/news/know-your-evacuation-zone-(1), with the ability to search by address. Evacuation zones are based on multiple factors, such as wave action, rainfall and areas known to flood, based on a lettering system: A,B,C,D,E, and F zones.
The JaxReady mobile app automatically serves up information based on the cellphone's current GPS location, and also has an address search feature. The app also includes text message alerts for emergency preparedness and evacuation.
What should I stock up on? Should I be concerned about supplies running low?
The American Red Cross recommends residents should gather food, water, and medicine as well as organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. A Go-Kit includes three days of supplies that can be carried, including backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cellphone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.). A Stay-at-Home Kit holds two weeks of supplies since stores might be closed, plus a one-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and personal, financial, and medical records.
Jacksonville's 2022 JaxReady Emergency Preparedness Guide includes tools, tips and resources to prepare for hurricane season, plus links to download the JaxReady app, Emergency Preparedness Guide and other resources can be found at JaxReady.com.
Is the city thinking of opening shelters and how many might they open/where?
Shelter openings, as well as other emergency information, will be posted on the city's Facebook page at facebook.com/CityofJax, on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofJax, and at JaxReady.com.
Blood donors needed
There is an urgent call for additional blood donations before Hurricane Ian arrives, including an increased need for type O blood since hurricanes can disrupt blood collection, OneBlood said.
OneBlood encourages all eligible donors to visit a donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive to ensure blood is available for patients in need, donation locations and appointment information at oneblood.org.
dscanlan@jacksonville.com: (904) 359-4549
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville area faces "significant storm" with Hurricane Ian
