Hurricane Irma: Jacksonville Mandatory Evacuations Lifted, Water Distribution Sites

JACKSONVILLE, FL — More than 300 people had to be rescued in Jacksonville due to the dangerous storm surges along the St. Johns River caused by Hurricane Irma, officials said.

As of Tuesday morning, mandatory evacuation orders had been lifted in Jacksonville though Mayor Lenny Curry cautioned at a morning briefing that there are still road blockages and flooding in the city and urged residents to be safe. He also reminded residents that anyone using generators should not run them in an enclosed space.

Debris collection in Jacksonville is expected to start Monday and city offices will reopen Wednesday. (For the latest on Irma and up to date information for Jacksonville residents, subscribe to the Jacksonville Patch for real time alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Water distribution began at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will continue until 5 p.m. Water can be picked up at the following locations:

• Hobby Lobby (14286 Beach Blvd., 32250)
• McDonalds (5751 Beach Blvd., 32207)
• Edward Waters College (1853 Kings Rd., 32209)
• Supervisor of Elections (1 Imeson Park Blvd., 32218)

All bridges have re-opened as of Tuesday morning but authorities warned anyone driving around to treat intersections as four-way stops.

A coastal flood warning remains in effect until noon Thursday and a high rip current risk remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service said significant flooding is expected to continue along portions of the St. Johns River. Tides will be about 1 to 3 feet above normal and could be locally higher in some spots.

The NWS said significant river flooding will continue into roadways and structures along the river and its tributaries.

Photo via Jacksonville Sheriff's Office