LATEST NEWS
Special Weather Statement by NWS
Instruction: If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Target Area: Baker; Hamilton; Northern Columbia; Southern Columbia; Union. A powerful thunderstorm is expected to affect several counties in Florida. The storm, located near Suwannee Valley, is moving southward at a speed of 15 mph. The main hazard associated with this storm is wind gusts of approximately 40 mph. Radar data has confirmed this information. The impact of these gusty winds could result in the knocking down of tree limbs and the displacement of unsecured objects. Areas that will be affected include Lake City, Five Points, Watertown, Lulu, Winfield, Olustee, and Suwannee Valley. No significant hail is expected, with the maximum hail size being 0.00 inches.
Union County collision claims Glen St. Mary man
A 37-year-old Glen St. Mary man died Monday when his van crossed into the oncoming lane on State Road 121 and collided with a tractor-trailer northeast of Raiford. According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) release, the Glen St. Mary man was driving his van southbound on SR 121 north of State Road 16 at 4:04 p.m. when he veered into the northbound lane. The van collided with its left side into a tractor-trailer being driven by a 37-year-old Alachua man.
Flood Warning by NWS
The Flood Warning remains in effect for the Santa Fe River near Worthington Springs in Union and Alachua Counties in northeast Florida. Minor flooding is expected from Friday evening to Saturday morning. The water level is currently at 54 feet and is forecasted to rise to a crest of 59 feet by Friday evening, reaching flood stage. As a result, the boat ramp, floating dock, picnic areas, and campsites at Chastain-Seay Park will be affected, and the park may be closed to the public due to flooded access roads. For more information, visit https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/forecasts.php?wfo=jax and http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood. The next update will be issued on Wednesday evening at 9:15 PM EDT.
Special Weather Statement by NWS
Instruction: If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Strong thunderstorms are expected to affect northeastern Bradford, southeastern Baker, northeastern Union, and west central Clay counties until 9:00 PM EDT. Doppler radar has detected these storms, which are capable of producing a landspout along a line from Camp Blanding to Kingsley to Starke. The storms are moving northwest at a speed of 30 mph. The main hazards include landspouts and wind gusts of approximately 40 mph. Radar indications suggest potential minor damage to outdoor objects, such as tree limbs being knocked down and unsecured objects being blown around. The following locations will be impacted: Starke, Raiford, Macclenny, Glen St. Mary, Sanderson, Camp Blanding, Kingsley, Lawtey, and Ellerbee. The landspout possibility is accompanied by a maximum hail size of 0.00 inches and a maximum wind gust of 40 mph.
Tropical Storm Warning by NWS
A tropical storm warning and hurricane watch remain in effect for Lake Butler. The latest forecast indicates that the wind is expected to be below tropical storm force, with peak wind speeds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. However, there is still a potential threat of wind speeds reaching 74 to 110 mph, equivalent to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, which could cause considerable damage to buildings, including roofs, windows, doors, and garages. Mobile homes are at high risk of severe damage or destruction, and airborne projectiles could exacerbate the damage. The affected areas may be uninhabitable for weeks. Large trees, fences, and roadway signs may be snapped or uprooted, and some roads may become impassable due to debris. Power outages and communication disruptions are also expected. In addition to the wind threat, there is a potential for major flooding due to heavy rainfall. Additional rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches are expected, with localized higher amounts. This could result in extensive flooding, leading to evacuations and rescues. Rivers, tributaries, small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may overflow rapidly, and flood control systems may become stressed. Structures within multiple communities may be affected, with some becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Escape routes may be covered by floodwaters, and driving conditions will become dangerous. Road and bridge closures are likely. The possibility of tornadoes also exists, with the situation being favorable for their formation. Emergency plans should consider the potential for several tornadoes, some of which may be intense and cause significant damage. Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are advised to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather conditions arrive. It is crucial to listen for tornado watches and warnings and be prepared to take shelter quickly. For more information and to develop a family emergency plan, refer to FEMA's website at http://ready.gov/hurricanes. Local weather conditions and forecasts can be found at http://www.weather.gov/jax.