Here’s a look at possible local impacts from Tropical Storm Elsa.
The National Weather Service reported at 5 p.m. Tuesday that the storm was north of the Florida Keys and moving north at about 10 mph. It is expected to make a turn toward the north-northeast on Wednesday morning when it is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast of the state.
Maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph, and the storm is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall. As it moves inland, Elsa is predicted to weaken.
Tropical-storm-force winds (39 mph or greater) will extend up to 90 miles from the center of the storm.
This area could see between two and four inches of rain with totals up to six inches through Wednesday night.
A flood watch is in effect for Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, including St. Johns and Duval counties. Isolated tornadoes are possible here, as well.
High rip currents are possible Wednesday.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for the western half of Duval County.
According to St. Johns County officials, residents can continue to follow their normal garbage removal schedule.
The county recommends that residents secure all garbage and recycling containers and place them in a secure location away from open spaces.
Residents should stop all yard maintenance and tree trimming activities. They should also bundle and tie down all loose trash, including tree limbs, wood planks and building and roof tiles. Place these materials in a location where they cannot become hazardous in the event of high winds.
After the storm passes, the county will issue alerts and post clean-up dates on the county’s website and social media channels. The county’s emergency debris hauler will begin collecting storm debris placed at the curb. Normal household garbage, recycling and bagged debris of any kind will not be picked up with storm debris.
The St. Johns County Public Library Bookmobile is canceling stops at the Publix at Nocatee Town Center, 120 Marketside Ave., and the Publix at Palencia Commons, 7462 US Hwy 1 N. on Wednesday, July 7.
All items placed on hold or due for return at these stops will be extended to the next scheduled stop date on Wednesday, July 14. Patrons may request to have hold items sent to another library branch location by emailing libbe@sjcfl.us or calling 904-827-6944.
Also, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will be closed to the public on Wednesday, July 7. The museum will post operational updates at its website (cummermuseum.org) and on social media.
