Isaias nears panhandle coast

As of 1:15 p.m. Friday, Hurricane Isaias was located in the Gulf of Mexico just south of the Florida panhandle. It was moving north-northeast at 16 mph with maximum sustained winds at 120 mph (105 knots). This makes it a major hurricane at category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

It is currently on track to make landfall Friday night (Oct. 9) or Saturday morning (Oct. 10) at or near to Florida panhandle. The storm is expected to fall off in intensity to a tropical storm at some point after landfall.

Portions of the Florida panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi are under a hurricane warning with areas surrounding that under a tropical storm warning, include a portion of southwestern Georgia. The eastern-most extent of the warnings is Leon County, where Tallahassee is located.

St. Johns and Duval counties could see 1-2 inches of rain from the weather system associated with the storm. Following on the heels of recent heavy rains, there is a risk of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

St. Johns County officials are encouraging residents to follow these suggestions:

• Never drive through flooded roadways.

• Bring in or secure items that could be moved by gusty winds.

• Stay out of the water when conditions are dangerous and be aware of strong rip currents and rough surf.

• Stay informed as additional rain and coastal hazards develop.

St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

• Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management at facebook.com/StJohnsEOC

• Sign up for the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system at sjcfl.us/departments/emergency-mgmt. Ensure notification settings selected allow you to be alerted at all times for your safety.