The Mayor’s Office through the Duval County Emergency Operations Center has released information concerning Hurricane Helene and what the city can expect when it makes landfall.
Helene is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend-Tallahassee area Sept. 26 as a Category 4 hurricane with winds up to 132 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Below is a FAQ list detailing flooding and water information, school and city service closings and a list of shelters that are open.
The FAQ lists what is allowed to be brought to the shelters.
It details Jacksonville Transportation Authority bus service plans.
People are encouraged to stay home. If travel cannot be avoided, do not drive through standing water and listen to area media for news of possible bridge closures.
The information also includes city emergency phone numbers and social media addresses.
Duval County is under a tropical storm warning and a tornado watch throughout Sept. 26.
Residents in flood-prone areas – San Marco, Downtown, Riverfront, Hogans Creek, Southhampton, Riverside, Ortega and Ribault – can expect water levels to peak 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26 and 6-8 a.m. Sept. 27. The city is anticipating isolated storm surge of up to 3 feet along the St. Johns River during those hours.
The Beaches are expected to see a storm surge of up to 3 feet.
The city has not issued mandatory evacuation orders. However, people in older homes and manufactured homes in low-lying areas should consider leaving for a safer location.
The city provided the following frequently asked questions about Hurricane Helene:
The state of Florida has issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency for counties that may be impacted by the storm including Duval County.
There could be isolated storm surge of up to 3 feet along the St. Johns River. In particular, the San Marco, Downtown Riverfront, Hogans Creek, Southampton, Riverside, Ortega, and Ribault areas. High river levels will peak 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26 and 6-8 a.m. Sept. 27.
The Beaches are under a Coastal Flood Warning with up to 3 feet of surge. Citizens are urged to stay out of the dangerous waters.
Tornado risk continues into the evening of Sept. 27 as the outer rainbands reach the area.
The area is under a tornado watch, which means people should stay alert for potential tornado warnings.
There are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.
A State of Emergency Declaration allows the city to more easily allocate dollars and resources to best protect lives and property.
All Duval County Public Schools will be closed Sept. 26-27.
City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities are closed Sept. 26.
Courts: Courthouses in Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties will be closed Sept. 26. They will reopen Sept. 27
State Attorney’s Office, 4th Circuit: The Duval, Clay and Nassau offices will be closed Sept. 26.
Public Defender’s Office: Duval/Nassau/Clay offices closed Sept. 26. They will be awaiting the court’s decision about if courthouses will be open Sept. 27.
Supervisor of Elections: The Duval Counter Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed Sept. 26. This includes both the Downtown office and the Election Center at 1 Imeson Park Blvd.
Property Appraiser: The Duval County Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed Sept. 26.
Parks: Huguenot Memorial Park and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park will be closed Sept. 26.
Beaches: City of Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach offices will be closed Sept. 26.
Senior Games: City of Jacksonville Senior Games Opening Ceremonies and Track and Field event are postponed. A rescheduled date will be announced after city facilities are reopened and venues have been assessed for possible damage.
Tax Collector’s Office: Closed closed Sept. 26.
Jacksonville University is remote Sept. 26-27.
The University of North Florida, Edward Waters University and Florida State College at Jacksonville classes are canceled Sept. 26-27.
• The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will continue to run regular operations on JTA’s fixed-bus route, BRT First Coast Flyer routes, Connexion and ReadiRide service, as long as it is safe to do so Sept. 26. The JTA anticipates resuming normal service Sept. 27.
• The St. Johns River Ferry will be closed Sept. 26 and is anticipated to be back in service Sept. 27.
• The Skyway will be closed Sept. 26 and will resume operation as soon as it is safe to do so.
Download the MyJTA app to receive notifications of any detours and service updates.
• JTA will support sheltering operations with free rides to residents being transported to the five shelters.
Another shelter ride option: The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide Floridians free rides to shelters in counties under a state of emergency for Helene.
To find a ride:
1. Open the Uber app
2, Tap Account on the bottom right & tap Wallet
3. Add promo code HELENERELIEF
• The Kings Avenue Garage will be open to the public for residential parking. If you live in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding, the garage is a safe place to park your car.
• The Fixed Route and First Coast Flyer buses will begin Flood Detours at 4 p.m. Sept. 26 unless weather conditions deteriorate sooner. Download the MyJTA app to stay up to date on any route changes.
• Greyhound has suspended service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 26.
The Florida Department of Transportation works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to monitor wind conditions at area bridges. Bridges will remain open until weather conditions make the bridge unsafe for travel. At that point, FDOT will work with law enforcement to close affected bridges.
The airport is open, but passengers are strongly encouraged to check with their respective airlines to verify schedules before coming to the airport, as some flights have been canceled Sept. 26-27
• The U.S. Coast Guard has set the Port of Jacksonville under hurricane port condition ZULU (vessel movements prohibited).
• JaxPort Main Gates: All terminal gates will remain open and landside operations will continue throughout the weather event, subject to change based on the storm’s movement and direction from the USCG Captain of the Port.
• The Carnival Elation will not arrive Sept. 26 because of the storm. It is waiting in a safe area off the coast. For info on the Carnival Elation cruise, citizens can text CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).
Normal waste collection operations will proceed Sept. 26-27, as long as it is safe to do so. Any missed collections will be picked up Sept. 27.
The city landfill also remains open.
All standard solid waste collection rules apply with a 5 cubic yard waste limit. Any changes or exceptions to these rules as a result of the storm will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the city website and the JaxReady mobile app.
Power outages are likely with the storm. JEA will work to restore power when it is safe to do so. Electrical outages and service issues can be reported to JEA at 904-665-6000 or online at JEA.com. JEA crews will be working safely through the restoration process.
Report to 630-CITY (2489) and avoid contact with power lines. If you suspect a safety issue or live wire, i.e., a downed power line that is on fire or sparking, call 911.
Drivers should treat malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic lights as four-way stops and report them to 630-CITY (2489).
Citizens are encouraged to call 630-CITY (2489) with any nonemergency concerns, excluding power outages (which should be reported to JEA), including broken traffic lights, downed trees, questions about garbage collection, etc.
Sandbags are not provided by the city.
City of Jacksonville: 904-630-CITY (2489)
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office: 904-630-0500
Florida Department of Transportation: 904-360-5457
JEA: 904-665-6000
Northeast Florida Red Cross: 904-358-8091
Jacksonville Transporation Authority: 904-630-3100
Traffic information: 511
United Way of Northeast Florida: 211
Florida Emergency Information Hotline: 1-800-342-3557
Salvation Army: 904-356-8641
National Weather Service Jacksonville: 904-741-4311
Duval County Public Schools: 904-390-2000
Jacksonville Public Library: 904-255-2665
Atlantic Coast High School: 9735 R.G. Skinner Parkway, open for special medical needs, pet-friendly.
Chaffee Trail Elementary: 11400 Sam Caruso Way, open for general population.
The Legends Center: 5130 Soutel Drive., open for general population and special medical needs and pet-friendly.
Landmark Middle: 101 Kernan Blvd., open for general population, pet-friendly.
LaVilla School of the Arts: 501 N. Davis St., open for general population.
Regarding Ken Knight Drive: it is one of the areas that historically floods. JTA is providing free shuttles for Ken Knight Drive residents throughout the storm. Pickup is at Bus Stop No. 3991 at Ken Knight Drive and Moncrief Road. Residents will be transported to the Legends Center at 5130 Soutel Drive.
For more information visit the city website at JaxReady.com/Helene and the JaxReady mobile app or call 904-630-CITY (2489).
The needs of individuals and families seeking shelter support will vary. Bring snacks, water and bedding.
Additional suggested items include the following:
• Photo identification and important papers
• Prescription medication
• Special dietary and baby food
• Flashlight and batteries
• Folding chair
• Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
• Change of clothing
• Quiet games or reading material
Prohibited Items
• Weapons
• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Reptiles and exotic animals
Citizens with special medical needs:
These citizens are encouraged to bring the following items:
A caregiver should accompany citizens with special medical needs
• Photo identification with current address
• Important papers
• All medications in original bottles
• Any required medical support equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, dressing, feeding equipment
• Name and phone number of the physician, home health agency or hospital where you receive care
• Special dietary needs
• Water and snacks
• Blanket(s) and pillow(s)
• Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
• Change of clothing
Permitted pets
Below is the list of animals permitted at designated pet-friendly shelters. Each family is authorized to bring up to three pets which include:
• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs)
• Rabbits
• Birds
No reptiles or other exotic animals are allowed in shelters.
All pets must have proof of vaccination and registration, be properly crated or caged and maintained by the owner. No pets may be dropped off.
Although animals are kept separate from people, families must provide for their pets while at the shelter. The following supplies should be brought for each animal:
Pet Needs
• Medications
• Food and water
• Food and water dishes
• Plastic bags to dispose of waste
• Kitty litter and pan for cats
• Current photo and ID tags
• Vaccination records
• Pet beds, toys and grooming supplies
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, muzzle(s) and pet carrier(s)
• Name and number of the animals’ veterinarian