Hurricane shifts in Putnam’s favor, but path could still change
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Lake Crescent -
Unwelcomed arrival -
The first life saved from Hurricane Dorian -
One of many businesses that boarded up its windows
Putnam County residents living near the St. Johns River and in low-lying areas were placed under a mandatory evacuation order Monday morning as Hurricane Dorian intensifies.
However, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said hurricane warning conditions are not expected in the county.
Kip Bricker, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, said Putnam County will likely experience tropical storm conditions late this afternoon into the evening.
At 11:20 a.m. Monday, Bricker said Dorian was moving at 1 mph and hurricane warnings have been issued along the coast.
“For the area of Putnam County, there will still be a risk of seeing tropical storm-force winds,” Bricker said. “But the area is a little bit away from the coast and west of (Interstate 95). We really expect the conditions to diminish.”
Putnam County emergency officials issued the mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A and low-lying areas. Evacuation Zone A includes areas near the St. Johns River, including canals.
The order also includes those who live in mobile homes, recreational vehicles and boats.
According to Putnam County Emergency Services Battalion Chief Paul Flateau, residents in the affected areas have until 5 p.m. today to evacuate. He said those who do not evacuate can be charged with a misdemeanor.
“For those in the evacuation area, if you decide to stay, there’s a high likelihood we will not be able to get to you in an emergency situation,” Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Col. Joe Wells said. “We strongly urge everyone affected to follow the evacuation order.”
Residents with questions about the evacuation area can call Putnam County’s citizen information line at 329-1904. People can also visit Putnam-FL.com and click on “evacuation home address lookup.”
Bricker said there was a coastal flood warning in effect for the St. Johns River. Officials said Monday afternoon there was already flooding along the river, including areas in San Mateo, Satsuma and Welaka.
“Flooding will be a concern as water backs up and the storm makes its way northwards,” Bricker said. “But we do not expect other hurricane warnings to move inland.”
Bricker said tropical storm-force conditions include sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph. “We’re looking at 30 to 40 mph sustained winds, with gusts up to 50 to 60 mph into Putnam County and 3 to 6 inches of rain, with some locally higher amounts.”
Six shelters throughout Putnam County were opened to residents Monday.
“Evacuations are underway in portions of the county and last-minute preparations need to be made (Monday),” Wells said. “We are expecting a strong tropical storm-force situation throughout Putnam County, specifically in the eastern portions of the county, and flooding in certain parts of the county.”
Emergency personnel and government officials were continuing to monitor the path of the storm from the Emergency Operations Center in Palatka throughout the day Monday and overnight.
Flateau said residents with family and friends in a safe zone are not required to go to the shelter.
“Going to a shelter is up to you if you have another safe place you can go,” Flateau said. “The shelters are a last resort, but we need people not to wait (on evacuating).”
Officials also advised residents that flooding of bridges, culverts and roads throughout the county is anticipated during the storm. The Florida Department of Transportation also said the County Road 310 bridge will be closed starting today.
Government offices in the county and the city of Palatka were closed Monday for Labor Day, and will remain closed through at least Wednesday, officials said.
Putnam County schools are closed through at least Wednesday. St. Johns River State College is closed today, with all classes and activities canceled.
Georgia-Pacific, the county’s largest private employer, planned to temporarily suspend operations late Monday to ensure the safety and well-being of team members and their families, company officials said.
GP officials said the mill has been making preparations to secure the facility throughout the week as hurricane projections evolved.
“Safety is our highest value at the Palatka Mill,” said Mike Griffith, vice president of manufacturing and the mill’s general manager. “We have a severe weather/hurricane plan in place and will follow our procedures as conditions warrant to keep people safe and our facility secure.”
Palatka Mayor Terrill Hill urged residents not to wait to make a decision on whether to evacuate.
“If you’re struggling with a decision on whether to stay or go, go,” Hill said.