NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County officials said Thursday morning residents should complete any last-minute preparations for their property as Hurricane Helene intensifies and is expected to bring strong tropical force winds and the possibility of tornadoes throughout the evening.
“We prepare all year long for this type of impact or this type of storm,” said Director of Emergency Management Tim Cooper.
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The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for all Northeast Florida, and Southeast Georgia counties until 10 p.m. as Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen and is forecast to bring low-level winds favorable for tornadoes.
Watch the Thursday, Sept. 26, 11:30 a.m. update from Fernandina Beach Mayor Bradley Bean below:
Cooper said each storm is different.
“Right before I walked in here I was in a weather briefing and it made another small kick to the west,” said Cooper Wednesday.
No matter where it lands, Cooper said with recent record rain, anywhere could be prone to flooding.
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“We have our standard areas. You know, Thomas Creek, of course, if you’re talking about an east-approaching storm, anything that’s on the waterways towards Fernandina Beach. But really, we’ve been inundated with so much rain right now, it’s kind of everywhere in Nassau County,” Cooper said.
Emergency management already thought ahead and declared Nassau County under a local state of emergency on Monday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis followed up with a declaration for the state Tuesday.
Officials said there will be fresh sand available for sandbags on Beach and 11th in Central Park in Fernandina Beach.
The county’s emergency shelter is open at Wildlight Elementary on Curiosity Avenue in Yulee. The Emergency Operations Center is offering free transportation to anyone who needs a ride to a shelter.
As of the 11:30 a.m. update, there were no evacuation orders in effect for Fernandina Beach or Nassau County, according to Bean.
“Good opportunity to help your neighbor, if you see someone in need please help them,” Bean said.
All city offices and facilities are closed through noon Friday.
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If transportation is needed for the emergency shelter, residents are asked to call 904-548-0900 to arrange. Uber is also offering free rides to shelter locations using the promo code “HELENRELIEF.”
You can find more information about shelters, evacuations, where to find sandbags and even how to sign up for push alerts and report damage at OneNassau.com.