JACKSONVILLE, – As the impending severe storm is expected to bring heavy winds and rains with the possibility of tornados, residents and business owners are doing what’s needed to protect their properties.
Some neighborhoods in Northeast Florida are more susceptible to toppling trees, falling tree limbs and downed powerlines, which leads to power outages.
“I think if one of these trees goes down; since the wires are going in between the trees, then the powerline is going to go down with the trees,” Sam Youngblood, Fairfax resident, said.
JEA said its crews are geared up and ready to respond to potential power outages.
“My past experience, usually the power doesn’t go out for too long. When JEA responds, it doesn’t take too long to resolve it. We’re prepared for power to go out for a couple of days if necessary,” Youngblood said.
Residents are asked to prepare for whatever impact the storm brings. The manager at Seafood Island Bar and Grill on San Marco Boulevard — a street prone to massive flooding — said they have been monitoring weather reports and aren’t taking any chances.
“We’re going to see what happens tomorrow. The plan is to put all the tables and chairs inside,” Manager Benny Kajtazi said. “We had a bad experience before with the weather so now we must put it inside.”
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Heavy winds are also a concern for driving conditions, especially if drivers are traveling across bridges. News4JAX Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn said strong winds and high-sided vehicles can make a dangerous combination.
“Think about an 18-wheeler compared to a little car. There is going to be a lot of surface impact against it. And these are some of the peek non-thunderstorm winds we are going to see tomorrow,” Nunn said. “So, the upper 40 to 50 mph range will turn an easy trip across the bridge into a white-knuckle ride, especially even box trucks, panel vans, things like that are going to get buffeted around.”
A bridge’s high elevation also plays a role in the increased dangers.
“The more you get away from the ground, you lose some of the friction and the wind actually accelerates, so what may be 20, 30, 40 mph here at ground level can be stronger on our taller bridges,” Nunn said.
It’s no secret that heavy sustained winds along with strong anticipated wind gusts can also wreak havoc on waterways. Lamb’s Yacht Center, which sits right off the Ortega River, Dock Master Matt Brennan advised boat owners to make sure their vessels are securely tethered to the dock ahead of the storm.
“Best to center them up in a slip. Make sure there will be good slack for tides,” Brennan said.
It’s important to ensure the boats are centered correctly because too much tension on one side during a heavy wind could damage the lines and ultimately lead to your boat being damaged after slamming into the dock.
“A lot of people discount the winter storms. The winter storms can be just as powerful as a tropical storm. It’s just as important to secure your boat through the winter storms as it is during the summer,” Brennan said.