Time to prepare for Idalia — ‘Right Now’

Hurricane Idalia was gaining strength on Tuesday as it headed toward Florida’s Gulf Coast where officials ordered evacuations and urged residents to brace for a possible Category 3 storm when it makes landfall on Wednesday.

“Idalia is expected to attain sustained winds in excess of 111 mph (179 kph) on Wednesday morning before slamming ashore later in the day,” according to a Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).

"If you are told to evacuate, you have to do that now," said Governor Ron DeSantis at a Tuesday morning news briefing. “Evacuation orders have been issued in 22 counties, and more than 20 emergency shelters have been opened,” he said.

Effective 8 a.m. on Tuesday, an evacuation order was issued by the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center for “power-dependent special needs individuals, flood-prone structures, vulnerable structures and mobile homes.”

A shelter opened at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Wildlight Elementary, 550 Curiosity Ave, Yulee. This shelter will accept the general population, special needs residents and pets with rabies vaccinations. Residents needing transportation to the shelter should contact the Emergency Operations Center at 904-548-0900 to arrange for transport.

A update from Fernandina Beach Interim City Manager Charles George on Monday said Fire Chief Ty Silcox is in communication with the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center.

George told the News-Leader city staff would make decisions as the situation changes and more information becomes available.

He said city crews were working to remove debris and make sure drains are clear. Idalia is scheduled to hit Nassau County during a full moon, which will bring extremely high tides to the Amelia River waterfront on Front Street. George cautioned against driving to the waterfront during the storm.

In a social media post on Monday, Nassau County School District said staff has worked closely with the Nassau County Emergency Operations Center over the last few days to monitor weather conditions.

“Due to the impending storm, the need to open schools as shelters for the community, and the expected impact of Idalia on our region, Nassau County School District will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week,” the District said. “This closure includes all school operations, school activities, athletics and any other extracurricular events. No decision has been made at this time about Thursday. We will update you as information becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe."

Closure announcements poured into social media feeds throughout Monday and Tuesday including City and County government plans that let the community know “county offices will be closed at noon on Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday.” The Nassau County Courthouse will remain closed through Thursday.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to take appropriate precautions. Sandbags are available at two locations until 7 p.m. on Wednesday: Yulee Road Department, 86200 Gene Lasserre Boulevard, Yulee, and Hilliard Road Department, 37356 Pea Farm Road, Hilliard.

Public Works personnel will be onsite to assist residents. Residents will be required to show proof of residency.

Idalia’s path is expected to impact a wide central portion of the state, including Tampa and Orlando. It's likely to move close to the Carolina coastline on Thursday, after crossing Florida, forecasters said.

If the U.S. Postal Service discontinues delivery Wednesday due to the inclement weather, News-Leader subscribers will not receive a newspaper until service resumes.

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