St. Johns County under hurricane watch

The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane watch for St. Johns County on Wednesday, Sept. 28, in anticipation of Hurricane Ian. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, and means hurricane conditions in relation to wind, rain and surf are possible within the watch area.
In addition, the tropical storm warning, storm surge warning and flood watch previously issued by the National Weather Service for St. Johns County’s beaches, intracoastal waterway and the St. Johns River remain in effect.
Tropical Storm Warning
A tropical storm warning is an announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical or post-tropical cyclone. Tropical storm force winds are expected early Wednesday evening until Friday morning.
Storm Surge Warning
A storm surge warning indicates there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline somewhere within the specified area, generally within 36 hours. St. Johns County has the potential for three to five feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas through the morning of Saturday, Oct. 1.
Flood Watch
Inland flooding, tidal flooding and extremely dangerous rip currents are expected to impact the County’s coastline and areas along the St. Johns River. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to avoid the beaches until Hurricane Ian passes the area.
For more information regarding Hurricane Ian, visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center hotline at 904-824-5550.