Hurricane Irma: Serious Storm Surge Along St. Johns River In Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Hurricane Irma, now downgraded to Tropical Storm Irma, continues to bring hazardous conditions. In Jacksonville, there is a serious threat to those living along the St. John's River and officials are telling residents to evacuate immediately. A flash flood warning has been declared, and officials said this could be a week-long flooding event.

In Zones A and B, which encompass the neighborhoods of St. Marco, Riverside, downtown Jacksonville, Southampton and Landon Park, officials urged residents to leave and said anyone who needs help getting out can call 630CITY. Those in need of emergency assistance should call 911. Officials also suggested that those who need help evacuating prominently display a white flag in front of their homes.

Jacksonville officials said search and rescue teams are ready to deploy, and state assets are coming in. Around 2 p.m., when the St. Johns River is at high tide, a water inundation of four to six additional feet was expected. (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.)

Watch: Hurricane Irma Batters Florida With Wind, Rain And Storm Surges

Officials also said residents should evacuate to a higher level if they can, but should not venture out into flood waters.

"This is potentially a week-long event," Mayor Lenny Curry said.

Curry also said anyone who still has cell phone service should call loved ones and let them know they are okay.

First responders from around the country are helping with rescue and clean-up operations. Nashville Fire and Rescue saved people from a house on River Boulevard, according to a reporter for the Florida Times.

"The strong winds will continue the storm surge threat along the Atlantic Coast, and with the winds switching to the South, there will be an enhanced threat of Storm Surge in the St. Johns River — specifically in downtown Jacksonville, where record flooding will continue along the St. Johns River Basin," the National Weather Service reported.

A flash flood emergency is in place for the St. Johns River basin from downtown Jacksonville southward through Putnam County.

Photo by Desmond Boylan/Associated Press