CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County officials are preparing for Hurricane Helene as it is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a major hurricane late Thursday.
As of right now, Clay County officials expect to see the effects of the powerful storm starting around 3 p.m. and lasting through 6 a.m. Friday.
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Officials said they expect the fast-moving storm to be more of a wind event and not a flooding event.
There is potential for tornadoes along the St. Johns River and officials said they expect to see downed trees, power lines and debris.
They are urging everyone to stay off the roads when the winds hit because driving conditions will be unsafe.
Clay County reminded residents using generators during any power outages to take proper safety precautions and use the devices outside.
Residents who live in mobile homes, RVs, and older homes are asked to relocate.
The National Weather Service has increased Clay County’s moderate rain flooding potential, so they continue to closely monitor the Black Creek water levels.
Shelters: Five shelters are now open:
- Orange Park High (Pet friendly)
- Keystone Elementary (Pet friendly)
- Lake Asbury Junior High (Special needs shelter)
- Clay High School
- Wilkinson Elementary
Curbside garbage collection: Garbage collection will be picked up Thursday, and Friday, if it is safe to do so. If this changes, we will update our community.
The Rosemary Hill Solid Waste transfer station and collection centers will remain open Thursday and Friday if it safe to do so.
All Clay County Board of County Commissioners offices will close at noon on Wednesday through Friday. This includes libraries, Animal Services, parks, and programs.
All Clay County District Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) offices will close at noon on Wednesday and remain closed through Friday.
The public comment meetings for Moody Avenue Park and Doctors Lake Park scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed.
Touch A Truck: What Moves Clay is postponed until further notice due to the storm. We will announce the new date when it becomes available on our website, social media, and other messaging platforms.
The Community Development Block Grant Home Rehabilitation application assistance at the Middleburg-Clay Hill Library on Thursday is postponed.
The nonprofit veterinary clinic, Clay Humane, located in Orange Park, will be closed on Thursday.
Facilities: All parks, pools and recreation centers are closed until the storm passes. City offices will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 26.
A call center at 1-877-252-9362 will be available for any questions Clay residents have on Wednesday at 7 a.m. It will remain open until the storm has left Clay County or until further notice, and residents can report damage, downed trees, downed powerlines, or get information.
Click alert.claycountygov.com for more information.