The environment will be favorable for strong/severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, April 5th evening through the night time hours. This weather development is expected to become primarily a night time event. The development of numerous strong storms that will evolve into a line are expected for southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida from 5:00pm – 6:00am. The primary threat for our area is expected to be damaging winds which could lead to downed trees and powerlines. There is a potential for large hail and tornadoes throughout the evening. As these storms make their way to our area, there will be uncertainty as to the extent of the damage of the thunderstorms.
Be aware of your surroundings. Report traffic light outages, roads that are flooded and downed powerlines. Be mindful and watch for Emergency Responders who are out during the storm trying to keep others safe. In case of a power outage, gas up all vehicles and go to the ATM and get some cash before the storm hits. Prepare for the storm winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. Move or secure trash cans, lawn furniture, hanging plants or anything that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. Make sure you have emergency supplies such as an emergency preparedness kit, first aid kit, food and non-perishables, emergency equipment such as generators or flashlights/batteries, water for drinking and cooking, and charge your mobile phone or laptop. Acquire a reliable source of weather information which can be a weather radio, cell phone alerts, radio or television.
If you do not have to be out in the weather conditions, avoid traveling. If you are on the road, be especially careful of bridges and areas that water is over the road. DO NOT attempt to drive your vehicle through water that is across a roadway, turn around or seek another route to your destination. Tornado warnings may be issued for our area which means the weather conditions are favorable for tornado activity. If a tornado watch issued that means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately to a basement, storm cellar, or windowless interior room. Additional resources for weather information: You may visit these links:www.ready.gov/severe-weather; http://www.weather.gov/safety/; www.weather.gov/jax; Facebook: /US.NationalWeatherService.Jacksonville.gov, Twitter: /NWSJacksonville, or sign up for weather alerts: inws.wrh.noaa.gov/ or https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/sign_up_page_2/?id=62761.
For all NON-EMERGENCY related issues such as power outages, downed power lines, water over the roadway or downed trees, please contact the Customer Care Center by dialing 311 or 912-384-3302. For life threatening emergencies, call 911.
