Jacksonville Irma updates: Damage, historic flooding across area

12:47 p.m. Tuesday

Update from Baptist Health

Baptist Beaches opens today at 12:00 noon for hospital and emergency services, along with outpatient imaging and lab services.  Baptist Beaches will resume full operation as of 8:00 am Wednesday, September 13, including outpatient and elective procedures and physician offices in the Medical Office Building.

Baptist Nassau opens today at 12:00 noon for hospital and emergency services.  Baptist Nassau will resume full operation as of 8:00 am Wednesday, September 13, including outpatient and elective procedures, outpatient imaging and lab services, and physician offices in the Medical Office Buildings. 

Baptist South and Baptist Jacksonville have maintained hospital operations during and after the storm. Assessments of the medical offices on those campuses is underway and a reopening announcement will be forthcoming.

Wolfson Children's Hospital remains fully operational, as do all Wolfson Children's community pediatric ER centers at Town Center, Baptist Clay and Baptist North. Pediatric outpatient diagnostic services, rehab, and outpatient surgery services will resume Wednesday, September 13. 

Baptist Primary Care: As power is restored, several offices plan to open by noon Tuesday, September 12 including:

Mandarin NorthLane AveBaptist Pediatrics San Jose 

The majority of our 50-plus offices will be open Wednesday, September 13.

Baptist specialty groups are closed Tuesday, September 12:

Baptist Heart Specialists, Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, Baptist Neurology, Lyerly Neurosurgery, Baptist ENT Specialists, Baptist Infectious Disease, Baptist Rheumatology, Baptist OB GYN Nassau, Baptist Pulmonary Specialists, Baptist Urology Group Nassau, Baptist Behavioral Health and Baptist Endocrinology.

Baptist Health Clinic at Walgreens will reopen Wednesday, September 13 at 8:00 am at Fleming Island, Ponte Vedra and Mandarin. 

CareSpot Urgent Care Centers are being assessed, with several midday Tuesday openings possible.

5:55 p.m.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reopened all four bridges across the Intracoastal Waterway late Monday afternoon, the JSO announced on its twitter feed. The Atlantic Boulevard, Beach Boulevard, J. Turner Butler and Wonderwood bridges were closed Sunday night when sustained winds reached 40 mph.

The only bridges remaining closed in Jacksonville were the Acosta, Main, Hart and Matthews.

5:36 p.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that portions of Interstate 4 in Central Florida have been washed out and Florida's senators have asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for emergency funding to help Florida with that and repairing other highways, bridges and airports damaged by Hurricane Irma.

"These roads, highways and bridges may serve as critical routes, necessary for emergency response efforts, or vital to the delivery of much-needed fuel, food, water and other necessities post-storm," Nelson wrote to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao. "In addition, airports serve as a key hub for recovery as well, and are in the process of assessing damage. Without full functionality of these transportation pathways, Floridians are unable to resume their normal day-to-day lives."

4:28 p.m.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott says the Navy has deployed the USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to help with search and rescue and "a lot of other things" in the state.

Scott says he flew over the Keys and saw a lot of flood damage and boats that had washed ashore.

He says there is "devastation" and he hopes everyone who stayed behind survived Irma. He said almost every mobile home park in the Keys had overturned homes.

Scott also flew over the west coast of Florida on Monday and said the damage was not as bad as he thought it would be.

4:10 p.m.

Black Creek was at 27 feet Monday afternoon and scheduled to crest 1 foot higher at 8 p.m., breaking a record flood of 1919 when i crested at 25.3 feet.

News4Jax's Tarik Minor confirmed that three U.S. Coast Guard helicopters were headed to the Middleburg area to rescue residents along Black Creek that were reported to be on their roof

3:41 p.m.

St. Johns County and Clay Counties announce that their district schools closed through Wednesday. Flagler County announced earlier in the afternoon that its schools would be closed through Thursday and Glynn County will keep its schools closed through Friday.

MANDARIN: @NewsfromJEA crews working hard to get electricity back as quickly as possible! #ThankALineman @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/SIxx9pctdM

— Crystal Moyer (@WJXTCrystal) September 11, 2017

3:35 p.m.

Georgia officials say at least one person has been killed by Tropical Storm Irma. Georgia Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Catherine Howden said Monday that one storm-related death has been confirmed in Worth County, in southwest Georgia She had no further details.

The storm has also been blamed for one death in Florida. At least 36 people died in the storm's wake across the Caribbean.

Irma's center pasted through the area Monday and was churning northwestward toward Alabama by afternoon. With tropical storm winds extending more than 400 miles from its center, Irma has caused damage across the state from trees falling on inland homes to flooding in neighborhoods on the Georgia coast.

3:24 p.m.

3:23 p.m.

We'll get through this together. pic.twitter.com/tPamQ8S1Mw

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) September 11, 2017

3:19 p.m.

City of Jacksonville Beach says Beaches Energy currently has all available crews deployed to remove fallen trees & repair damage to transmission lines. Once these lines are repaired, the city can begin to restore power to a large portion of its service territory in the next several hours. Then the city can begin to concentrate on smaller isolated pockets of outages. "We appreciate your continued patience," city officials said.

3:14 p.m.

3:13 p.m.

3:07 p.m.

City of Jacksonville remains in rescue stage. Recovery will start soon, Mayor Lenny Curry says.

NWS describes St. Johns River flooding as "epic." -- This is going to be a long-lived high water event.

St. Johns River will see a slow fall after it crested about 2 p.m. There will be a gradual rise and fall of the waters over the next week.

Sheriff: Bridges that remain closed are due to flooding, not high winds. ICW bridges remain closed while emergency personnel assess damage to beaches areas.

Beach residents asked not to line up at bridges waiting to get back into the beaches because there is no timetable for them to reopen at this point.

3:06 p.m.

3:05 p.m.

3:04 p.m.

JEA warning: Standing water can carry contaminants, including sewage and chemicals. Do not let children play in floodwaters.

3:02 p.m.

Update from Jacksonville International Airport: Working to establish normal operations now that Irma has passed. Contact your airline for most up-to-date flight status & info.

2:58 p.m.

Clay County update:

Both the north and south prongs of Black Creek are now at record flood stage at 26.5 feet and expect to crest early Tuesday up to 28.5 feet.  Various local, state and federal agencies are engaged in water rescue efforts including but not limited to the State Fire Marshall, swift water rescue, FL National Guard, US Coast Guard and others.  Many state resources have been deployed to assist in this disaster recovery effort.

The Clay County Call Center, 904-284-7703, remains open 24-hours a day for citizens who have questions pertaining to the storm. The county’s website is alert.claycountygov.com. There you can find information about special needs shelters, evacuation zones and the county’s alerting system. 

Shelter Information:  

Shelters are still open. Currently, nearly 700 people are staying in shelters throughout the county.

Clay County has two Special Needs Shelters at Lake Asbury Junior High School and the Thrasher-Horne Center. Lake Asbury Junior High is at capacity. There is still availability at the Thrasher-Horne Center, 283 College Dr., Orange Park, FL 32065.  

Clay County’s General Population Shelters are open at the following locations: 

• Clay High School, 2025 FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 
• Orange Park High School, 2300 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073 (This shelter allows pets.)
• Wilkinson Elementary School, 4965 Co. Rd. 218, Middleburg, FL 32068. 
• Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School, 900 Orchid Ave., Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (This shelter allows pets.) 

2:57 p.m.

FDOT has release information on closed roadways:

Alachua

• SR 26 east of Gainesville (Debris & Flooding)
• University & SR 121 (Flooding) Hogtown Area

Putnam

• SR 19    ( Debris)
• SR 20    (Flooding)

2:54 p.m.

Both the Hammock Dunes Bridge and the State Road 100 Bridge have been cleared by the Florida Department of Transportation and are open immediately to residents who live on the barrier island. Residents will be permitted to cross the bridges until 7 p.m.

“Anyone attempting to cross the bridge will be required to show proof of residency,” Flagler County Emergency Manager Steve Garten said. “Once there, those residents will be required to drive to their homes and remain there until 7 a.m. Tuesday. The curfew remains in place.”

Residents who return home are encouraged to use extreme caution as they make their way to their houses and survey their property. There are flood waters, debris and downed powerlines, as well as other potential hazards. 

The Department of Transportation inspected the bridges for structural integrity before they could be reopened to the public. 

“We know this has been a very trying time for our residents, especially those who had been under mandatory evacuation,” said Flagler County Commission Chair Nate McLaughlin. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to work to make everything safe.

2:45 p.m.

2:32 p.m.

Peak Wind Gusts reported during Hurricane Irma in our area:

Mayport Naval Station – 89 mph

JAX – 86 mph

Dames Point – 86 mph

St. Augustine – 78 mph

NAS Jacksonville – 71 mph

Craig Municipal Airport 70 mph

Gainsville – 61 mph

Palatka – 61 mph

Sapelo Island – 60 mph

Palm Coast – 53 mph

Sterling – 48 mph

Stafford – 46 mph

Jones Island – 44 mph

Olustee – 40 mph

2:26 p.m.

2:18 p.m.

2:17 p.m.

2:12 p.m.

All Ware County Schools will be closed through Wednesday. Both public American Red Cross shelters will remain open at Ware County High School and Waycross Middle. Ware Middle will continue serving as a shelter and outpost for GDOT, and Center Elementary will continue serving as a shelter and outpost for Glynn County Government.

Continued tropical force winds and up to 2 inches of rain are expected between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the second band of this storm. 

2:05 p.m.

The Glynn County School System has canceled school for the remainder of the week through Friday due to the impacts from Tropical Storm Irma.

"With the amount of damage we're seeing already, it is unrealistic to think that we could safely open schools this week," said Glynn County Schools Superintendent Dr. Virgil Cole.  "Our main concern now is the safety of residents and we don't want people trying to get back to Glynn County thinking that schools may reopen.  We will need to conduct thorough damage assessments of our school facilities, and likely won't be able to begin that process until Wednesay at the earliest. We will make an official announcement at schools reopening as soon as possible," Cole said. 

Residents are urged to monitor local media, the Glynn County School System web site (www.glynn.k12.ga.us) and social media platforms Facebook and Twitter for further information about schools reopening.  Residents are also urged to monitor official announcement from the Glynn County Emergency Management Agency regarding re-entry and travel within Glynn County.  The Glynn County Board of Commissioners Facebook page is also a reliable source of accurate information.

2 p.m.

Irma's winds dropped to 60 mph sustained as the storm's center moved north into southern Georgia.

The storm was centered about 55 miles east of Tallahassee and 50 miles south-southeast of Albany, Georgia. 

1:58 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

JSO continues to ask residents to shelter in place and not walk or drive around if it's not essential.

Due to continued issues in the beaches area, all four ICW bridges are again CLOSED in both directions until further notice, JSO says.

1:43 p.m.

1:40 p.m.

Information from AAA:

As the remnants of Hurricane Irma move out of Florida, work is underway to resupply the state with gasoline. Hurricane Irma caused a huge spike in gasoline demand as residents evacuated, topped of their tanks, and/or filled gas cans to power generators. This led to outages at various gas stations throughout Florida and neighboring states, and it could take a week for supply conditions to return to normal. 

Suppliers face an uphill battle in the coming days, trying to keep gas stations supplied, as Florida evacuees return home in large numbers after the storm. Gas stations not located along major highways should have an easier time keeping supplies, as residents are no longer "panic pumping", since the storm is no longer a threat. Refueling gas stations along major evacuation routes will be a top priority, as it was before the storm. Motorists are still likely to find long lines, which could lead to temporary outages, due to the surge in demand.

1:37 p.m.

St. Johns County Parks and Recreation facilities will remain closed through Friday to allow staff time to assess damage and clear any hazards.

Similarly, all St. Johns County Beaches are closed to recreational activities until further notice, and all public beach walkovers and the St. Johns County Pier will remain closed until staff can assess their structural stability.

Officials are also urging residents to avoid boat ramps and other waterway access points until they have been deemed safe.

For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Management hotline at 904-824-5550 or visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane.

1:31 p.m.

1:24 p.m.

1:21 p.m.

12:54 p.m.

12:51 p.m.

12:47 p.m.

12:41 p.m.

Naval Station Mayport reports heavy debris on the base but no injuries.

12:35 p.m.

Flagler County has issued an emergency order extending the beachside curfew. Residents on the barrier island are to remain where they are until 7 a.m. Tuesday. 

“We have extended the curfew on the barrier island because of the critical conditions there,” said Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten. “There is a lot of flooding, downed power lines and debris on the beachside.”

Also, the mandatory curfew remains in effect for all Flagler County residents between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The ban on the sale of alcohol continues and includes bars and restaurants in addition to stores. All residents are asked to limit water usage to conserve sewer space. 

12:32 p.m.

12:31 p.m.

12:28 p.m.

JSO has reopened the Dames Point and Buckman bridges in both directions.

12:26 p.m.

12:23 p.m.

12:22 p.m.

Nassau County update from emergency personnel: Nassau County will again be under curfew as of 6 p.m.  Status: power outages, debris, down trees, and roads covered by water.

12:21 p.m.

Another damage update from Clay County. Curfew remains in effect until 8 p.m. tonight. The Shands Bridge remains closed.

12:20 p.m.

12:16 p.m.

The first storm-related death reported locally was in the Palm Valley area. St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar says an elderly couple was trapped by high water, and one suffered what is believed to be a heart attack during a rescue.

Shoar says he witnessed “heroic” efforts by first responders last night, including in St. Augustine South, where they were chest-deep in water making rescues. He says Irma visited a worst case scenario on the county, damage all over, “no one was spared.” The bridges are going to remain closed til engineers say they’re safe to reopen, there is no set time. He urges patience, and says the curfew will remain in effect from 8 p.m.-6 a.m.

County manager Michel Wanchick says the damage is as bad if not worse than Matthew. Still 85,000 power outages. He tells residents of the islands there will not be re-entry anytime soon, and advised people there’s no need to get in their cars and line up on the roads leading to the bridges. The soonest the bridges might reopen is tomorrow. He also asks people to stay off the roads.

12:06 p.m.

A family, including two small children and two dogs, was rescued from Black Creek area flooding on a paddleboard Monday afternoon by Clay County Fire Rescue. That National Guard has also begun making rescues in the area. Residents were seen canoeing and riding watercraft where the roads would normally be.

11:58 a.m.

Mayor Lenny Curry says Jacksonville is experiencing a Category 3 level storm surge from Irma, even though it was a Tropical Storm as it came through the area. The river will be about 6 feet above its typical level and low-lying areas remain at serious risk for flash flooding.

The National Weather Service says river flooding will continue to be problematic for riverfront areas for about a week as tides rise and fall.

"This is why we're here. To do our job, take of you and take care of our city," Curry says.

11:38 a.m.

Update from Jacksonville Beach mayor Charlie Latham:

11:36 a.m.

St. Vincent's Riverside patients who can be appropriately moved are being transferred to the St. Vincent's Southside and St. Vincent's Clay County hospitals. "We are working with city officials and medical transportation companies to assist us in this endeavor," hospital spokesman Kyle Sieg said.

11:34 a.m.

11:28 a.m.

Damage images from St. Augustine:

11:15 a.m.

11:14 a.m.

JEA damage assessors and troubleshooters have rolled out to start assessing damage, utility officials say.

11:09 a.m.

High tide for the St. Johns River is just before 2 p.m. and areas that have already experienced flooding have the chance to total 5-7 feet before it's over, according to The Weather Authority.

11:06 a.m.

Irma remains a large tropical cyclone.  Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 415 miles (665 km) from the center.  A 60 mph (96 km/h) sustained wind and a 69 mph (111 km/h) gust was recently reported at the National Data Buoy Center C-MAN station in St. Augustine.

11:05 a.m.

FSCJ campuses/centers will remain closed through Wed. Sept. 13 out of concern for students/staff. Classes will resume Thurs. Sept. 14

11:04 a.m.

A look at damage out of Clay County:

10:54 a.m.

From WJXT's Nikki Kimbleton: Almost every street along San Jose Blvd near San Jose CC and San Jose Shores... all the way to Baymeadows has trees down. Huge trees. These are just the ones on San Jose. The ones on side streets look much worse with damage to lots of homes.

10:51 a.m.

At least 88% of Clay Electric customers are without power right now. For the latest totals by county, check out the grid on our News4Jax.com homepage.

10:50 a.m.

10:41 a.m.

Viewer submits video of view from 3rd story unit in Park Lane condo looking over the Bell Riverside condo, dock and bulkhead breaking: Click here to watch

10:14 a.m.

10:05 a.m.

Anyone left in evacuation zones A or B along the St. Johns River urged to "get out now," JSO says.

10:04 a.m.

10 a.m.

From St. Johns County Sheriff's Office:

As Tropical Storm Irma through St. Johns County, crews are working tirelessly to conduct damage assessments and identify downed power lines, trees, and flooding. At this time, we do not know the full extent of damage to our County, and we will not know the condition of specific roads or areas for some time. We are asking for patience from our residents as we assess all areas of the County and will provide updates as soon as that information becomes available.

If you have an emergency, please call 911. For more information, please visit www.sjcfl.us/hurricane or call the St. Johns County Emergency Management hotline at 904.824.5550.

9:52 a.m.

The four bridges over the Intracoastal Waterway that have been closed since last night are reopening westbound only to allow residents to evacuate because of additional flooding expected from Hurricane Irma.

9:49 a.m.

9:43 a.m.

Flash Flood Warning including Waycross, Georgia, is in effect until 11:45 a.m.

9:42 a.m.

9:39 a.m.

People are being rescued from flooded homes Monday morning in Clay County.

John Ward, the emergency operations manager of Clay County, says crews had pulled 46 people from flooded homes by early Monday and an undetermined number are still stranded as the area's creeks and ponds are getting record flooding.

Ward says between 400 and 500 homes received severe flood damage but there have been no serious injuries or deaths.

9:36 a.m.

Jacksonville University reports it lost power, but breakfast was served at 9:30 a.m. The university will remain closed through Wednesday and is set to resume normal operations Thursday.

9:30 a.m.

Wolfson Children's Hospital and Baptist Downtown hospital basements and the NICU are being moved to the main hospital. Pharmacy also being moved.

9:25 a.m.

The city of St. Augustine is closed, according to police. They have the whole perimeter of the city closed. Officer says there's downed power lines and waist-deep water.

9:24 a.m.

Post-Irma safety advice from FHP:

• Turn around; don’t drown – Anticipate areas where standing water may be present. Never drive through flooded areas, even if you are familiar with the roads. The area of roadway you cannot see beneath the water may be washed out or the water may conceal debris, tree branches or even power lines. 
• Pay attention – You may come up on an intersection that is no longer controlled by a traffic control device. If a police officer is directing traffic, follow their directions. Otherwise, treat the intersection as you would treat an intersection governed by a four-way Stop sign.
• Reduce speed in areas with debris on roadway – especially when workers and equipment are actively clearing the roads.

9:20 a.m.

Stay away from downed power lines and call 630-CITY in Duval or 911 in other counties, JEA says.

9:17 a.m.

Historic Florida Theatre damaged from Hurricane Irma's winds:

9:14 a.m.

Best to stay off the roads if you can, but FHP says If signals are out; treat as a 4 way stop. If signal is hanging loose; stay away!

9:04 a.m.

The storm surge in the St Johns River has already reached all-time record levels, at just under 5 feet. That surpasses the record set in 1864. Angie Enyedi with the NWS said the surge could still go to 6 feet, as the tide is coming in. High tide downtown will be at 2 p.m. There is a flash flood emergency still in effect. 

If you're in your home in a flooded area along the river (mostly San Marco, Riverside and St. Nicholas) and need rescue, place a white flag or sheet to represent a white flag in a place that's visible from the street and call 630-CITY for help, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry says.

If you can go up, do that and do not go out into the flooding until help arrives, Curry says.

Gov. Rick Scott says three teams with 22 law enforcement officers of pre-staged Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers are en route to Jacksonville areas where flooding has been reported.

JFRD says injuries have been reported, but it's too soon to talk about any fatalities. The department has averaged a call a minute since 1 a.m.

Curry asks anyone who needs to get to safety to head to a shelter. For the open shelters in Jacksonville, click here.

9:02 a.m.

Jacksonville Beach city officials say the water and sewer systems are intact and pressure in the water lines is normal.

8:56 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Irma is causing record-setting flooding in Jacksonville, according to the National Weather Service. NWS says storm surge flooding exceeds the record set in 1965 during Hurricane Dora.

The city on Florida's northeastern Atlantic coast remains under a flash flood warning until 12:45 p.m. Monday.

Jacksonville Sheriff's officials warns residents not to drive through standing water, adding that in addition to flooding, there are trees and power lines down across the area.

8:30 a.m.

Irma is causing record-setting flooding in Jacksonville, Florida, as it moves over the state Monday on its way to southern Georgia.

The National Weather Service in Jacksonville says storm surge flooding exceeds the record set in 1965 during Hurricane Dora. The city on Florida's northeastern Atlantic coast remains under a flash flood warning until 12:45 p.m. Monday.

Jacksonville Sheriff's officials warned residents not to drive through standing water, adding that in addition to flooding, there are trees and power lines down across the area. Irma weakened to a tropical storm Monday morning, a day after hitting the state as a Category 4 hurricane.

8:30 a.m.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott says there's damage across the state caused by Hurricane Irma and it's still too dangerous for residents to go outside or return from evacuation.

Scott said Monday on Fox News that he's concerned about flooding now unfolding in Jacksonville and the amount of damage in the Florida Keys. The governor will be flying out of Mobile, Alabama, on a U.S. Coast Guard plane down to the Keys where he plans to inspect the extent of the damage there.

Local officials in the Keys on Sunday warned of a humanitarian crisis due to Irma's winds and storm surge.

Scott asked Floridians to be patient and warned that roads are impassable and that there are downed power lines.

8:21 a.m.

8:09 a.m.

The overhang of the Texaco gas station at Edgewood Avenue and Bunker Hill has collapsed.

8 a.m.

Irma has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm but winds and flooding still spreading damage across Northeast Florida.

7:53 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

A StormPins user says the entrance to The Woods subdivision on Atlantic Boulevard near Hodges Boulevard is blocked by a downed tree and 18 inches of water.

7:46 a.m.

7:45 a.m.

7:38 a.m.

About 150 people have evacuated the Days Inn on State Road 16 because of heavy wind damage to a portion of the hotel's roof, St. Johns Fire Rescue reports.

7:29 a.m.

7:25 a.m.

Main Street Bridge is now closed, JSO says

7:17 a.m.

Black Creek is running at 19.4 feet at one location in Middleburg. That’s 5 feet over flood stage. At the other gauge, the river is at 22.2 feet, 6 feet over flood stage. The National Weather Service is calling for a crest of 26.4 feet, which would be an all-time record.

7:14 a.m.

Flash Flood emergency issued for downtown Jacksonville, San Marco, South Hampton, Landon Park and Riverside. At 6:39 a.m., emergency management reported heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.

7:12 a.m.

Power outage update: 

JEA 253,709

Clay Electric 128,704

FPL:

Alachua 1270

Baker 4830

Bradford 3140

Clay 900

Columbia 10, 580

Flagler 49, 410

Nassau 21, 760

Putnam 17, 910

St. Johns 66, 370

Georgia

Camden 10,708

Glynn 40,535

Charlton 1,598

6:49 a.m.

Neptune Beach police say a gas leak reported earlier at Ace Hardware on Atlantic Boulevard is no longer an issue. Crews responded and burned the excess off the tank.

6:44 a.m.

WJXT reporter Crystal Moyer and photographer John Finley jumped in to help rescue a woman trapped in a vehicle that had become almost completely submerged on Baisden Road, near the entrance to the San Mateo neighborhood. They heard the woman and her boyfriend yelling for help, and then the boyfriend was able to get out of the car and wade to them to try to get help to get the woman out of the vehicle.

The couple has been taken to safety and Crystal and John are OK.

WATCH: Crystal Moyer describes San Mateo floodwater rescue

Please, please stay off the roads!

Flash flood warnings remain in effect for the Jacksonville area until 12:45 p.m.

6:43 a.m.

6:40 a.m.

Kangaroo gas station awning destroyed by storm off Baymeadows Road and Philips Highway, WJXT's Corley Peel reports.

6:29 a.m.

JSO tweets: We can't stress this enough, do not drive.  It is not safe.  There is standing water all over, downed power lines, and trees down. ... Please remember that downed power lines and water don't mix.  Don't drive or walk through standing water.  Just don't do it. 

6:24 a.m.

From Flagler County officials:

As powerlines are in the process of being re-energized, Flagler County officials caution residents to use extreme caution as electric lines become live. 

“This can be a very dangerous situation,” Flagler County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “The weather has improved, but it is still a very fluid situation and we don’t want our residents to be complacent about safety.”

Power should be cut off to homes that have structural damage. Residents should ensure power is off at the box to avoid electrical hazards as lines become re-energized.

As always, treat every downed powerline as live until FP&L confirms otherwise.       

6:22 a.m.

6:19 a.m.

JSO reports a swift water rescue was happening Monday morning at the Hilltop Apartments at 1646 W. 45th St. in waist-deep water.

5:55 a.m.

Power outage update:

JEA -- 227,251

CLAY ELECTRIC -- 125,559

FPL:

ALACHUA -- 1,270

BAKER -- 4,610

BRADFORD -- 3,140

Clay -- 900

Columbia -- 10,580

Flagler -- 49040

NASSAU -- 21,760

ST, JOHNS -- 65,460

GEORGIA

CAMDEN -- 9660

GLYNN -- 36,127

5:51 a.m.

Mayor Lenny Curry not mincing words as he tries to protect Jacksonville's citizens:

5:48 a.m.

Despite weakening as it moves north, Hurricane Irma is still setting records. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville tweeted that the storm surge flooding in downtown Jacksonville has exceeded the all-time record set in Hurricane Dora in 1964.

WATCH: News4Jax special: Dora: Direct hit

5:36 a.m.

WJXT's Jim Piggott reports heavy flooding on Lancaster Terrace in the Riverside area.

5:33 a.m.

5:31 a.m.

JSO reports a fire on Blackard Road in the Arlington area, just north of the Arlington Expressway Service Road off Arlington Road North. JFRD tells News4Jax a man was able to get out of the home when flames were seen in the front and back. No injuries were reported and the fire is out.

5:30 a.m.

5:27 a.m.

Camden County is under a tornado warning until 5:45 a.m. A flash flood warning including Kingsland, Brunswick and St. Simons Island, Georgia, is in effect until 8:15 a.m.

5:14 a.m.

Viewer sends photo to WJXT's Chris Parenteau showing flooding in front of home on River Road. Viewer says St. Johns River has flooded over the wall along River Road and is getting higher. Viewer says flooding is way worse than during Hurricane Matthew.

5:11 a.m.

JSO reports that Baisden Road, the entrance to the San Mateo neighborhood, is under water.

5:10 a.m.

Update from Clay County EOC:

The south prong of Black Creek is now at major flood stage. Both the north and south prongs are rising much faster than originally forecasted. All residents who live along Black Creek and have not evacuated their homes should relocate to a higher place or a shelter when conditions are safe.  

A curfew remains in effect for Clay County until eight o’clock tonight. Safety is our top priority. Strong winds and flooding are major concerns in our area. Residents should stay in their homes or at a shelter during this curfew.

5:09 a.m.

Latest update from National Hurricane Center has Irma barely at Category 1 status as storm moves north along Gulf Coast.

4:56 a.m.

Strong winds blow roof off home in Sans Souci neighborhood, according to WJXT's Corley Peel.

4:49 a.m.

All westbound lanes of JTB at Southside Boulevard are blocked because of downed trees, JSO says.

And WJXT's Ashley Harding reports a big tree is blocking I-295 NB lanes at the Blanding Boulevard exit.

4:47 a.m.

4:46 a.m.

Gas leak reported at Ace Hardware at 1281 Atlantic Blvd. In Neptune Beach, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

4:29 a.m.

"Crazy flooding" reported at Atlantic Beach Police Department on Seminole Road.

4:23 a.m.

JSO says via Twitter that a light pole is blocking I-95 South at University Boulevard. The road is not passable and because of conditions, drivers can't see the pole. "DO NOT DRIVE" in this area, JSO says. Because of the dangerous conditions, the pole will not be removed until conditions improve.

4:08 a.m.

A vehicle spotted in flooding in Julington Creek Plantation.

4:06 a.m.

JSO says Heckscher Drive from Blount Island Boulevard past Scenic Marsh Court is under 2 feet of flooding, and Commonwealth Avenue near Lane Avenue is flooded 2-3 feet.

4 a.m.

Tornado warning for Duval County expires.

3:44 a.m.

A viewer sent in this photo of his front yard in Mandarin.

3:39 a.m.

Over 450,000 customers now without power in the region. Likely over one million individuals impacted. 

3:37 a.m.

A tornado warning has been issued for Duval County until 4 a.m.

3:28 a.m.

Now nearly 200,000 JEA customers without power. That's not individuals, but customers, homes and businesses. Total number of people impacted is much higher.

3:18 a.m.

Another report of someone trapped in house due to tree on 8837 Dandy Ave. near Arlington

3:12 a.m.

Does anyone still have power without a generator? 

JEA: 157,009

CLAY ELECTRIC: 110,232

FPL:
St Johns: 42,660
Flagler: 39,990
Clay: 900
Nassau: 15,350
Putnam: 15,300
Baker: 450
Bradford: 2,520
Union: 40
Columbia: 5,960
Alachua: 1,270

GEORGIA POWER:
CAMDEN:  6,302
GLYNN: 13,791
 

3:05 a.m.

We're hearing about a roof that may have blown off a house on N. Myrtle Ave. We have a crew heading there now.

3:04 a.m.

On the topic of rivers and flooding...

2:52 a.m.

This from the Clay County EOC:

The North and South Prongs of Black Creek are rising much faster than originally forecasted. The South Prong just reached major flood stage. If Clay County residents along Black Creek have not taken action yet, please when conditions are safe relocate to a higher place or a shelter. Please take action immediately and go to your nearest shelter. Shelters will welcome are currently open at Clay High School, Orange Park High School, Wilkinson Elementary School, Keystone Heights High School. Again please take action now, call 904-284-7703 for any questions regarding this matter.

2:49 a.m.

Somehow, in the midst of all of this rain, there is a residential fire at the 3600 block of Via De La Reina in the San Jose area, according to JSO.

2:46 a.m.

Meanwhile, at News4Jax world headquarters...

2:43 a.m.

Waters rising.

2:42 a.m.

The outages continue to increase. Power out now for:

JEA: 123,679

CLAY ELECTRIC: 100,052

FPL:
St Johns: 42,660
Flagler: 39,990
Clay: 900
Nassau: 15,350
Putnam: 15,300
Baker: 450
Bradford: 2,520

Columbia: 5,960

Union: 40

GEORGIA POWER:
CAMDEN:  5,922
GLYNN: 5,269
 

2:36 a.m.

The Acosta Bridge has closed. That leaves the Fuller-Warren and the Main Street as the only open bridges in Jacksonville.

2:35 a.m.

The tornado warning for Camden and Nassau counties has been extended to 3 a.m.

2:26 a.m.

We are seeing a tree down on I-95 near the Avenues Mall. Here it is via News4Jax's Corley Peel.

2:20 a.m.

The Hart Bridge and Mathews Bridges have shut down due to high winds.

2:15 a.m.

If you have power right now, count yourself lucky. Over 300,000 customers without power.

Outages for the region:

2:14 a.m.

Water cresting the dunes in south Jacksonville Beach.

2:02 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Nassau County in Florida and Camden County in Georgia until 2:30 a.m. 

Winds picking up in Brunswick as well.

1:57 a.m.

The 2 a.m. update is in from the National Hurricane center and it shows Irma weakening as it continues over the Florida peninsula. Maximum sustained winds are now 85 mph, making Irma a Category 1 storm. The center of the storm is now 150 miles from downtown Jacksonville and has increased in it velocity to the north-northwest, now moving at 15 mph. Irma has also turned further to the west by 5-degrees.

1:48 a.m.

Power going out all over the region. Even Emergency Operations centers aren't immune.

1:37 a.m.

We're seeing the front pages of some of the newspapers from cities further to the south. Here are the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald's front pages.

1:36 a.m.

The outages continue to rise. Over 93,000 JEA customers now without power.

1:25 a.m.

Suddenly, over 77,000 JEA customers without power. Including over 14,000 on the Westside.

1:24 a.m.

A lot of families are finding damage at their homes. News4Jax's Vic Micolucci is among them.

1:16 a.m.

McCoys Creek area, a common flooding area, is seeing ankle-high and calf-high water in much of the area. News4Jax Jim Piggott found the road closed signs knocked down by the storm. 

1:09 a.m.

More power outages by the minute. The latest numbers:

• JEA: 49,562
• CLAY ELECTRIC: 57,086
• FPL: not reporting due to computer issues
• St Johns: 18,880
• Clay: 680
• Putnam: 8,390
• Flagler: 30,660
• Baker: 100
• Bradford: 280
• GEORGIA POWER:
• CAMDEN:  3,261
• GLYNN: 2,845
   

1:07 a.m.

The Putnam County Fire Department says at Palatka Health Care Center, 110 Kay Larkin Dr., water was flooding into rooms at the nursing home because the pumping system wasn't working well enough. Five people were transported as a precaution. Everyone in the facility has been moved to higher ground on the other end of the facility

1:02 a.m.

The Buckman Bridge has been closed due to high winds.

12:58 a.m.

Irma has now moved to within 168 miles south of downtown Jacksonville. It continues to move in the same north-northwesterly direction at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds continue to be measured at 100 mph. Irma is still a Category 2 storm.

12:48 a.m.

There are now over 42,000 JEA customers without power in Duval County.

12:46 a.m.

The Florida Highway patrol continues to monitor the Buckman Bridge. Along with JSO, they are looking for winds to reach over 40 mph before closing them.

12:44 a.m.

The winds are picking up in northeast Florida.

12:34 a.m.

The Dames Point bridge is now closed due to wind speeds. The Mathews, Buckman, Acosta, Fuller-Warren, Main Street and Hart Bridges are among those still open...for now.

12:24 a.m.

We are hearing of flooding in Mandarin on Indian Walk Road off Hartley Road. A caller to the newsroom said that there are barricades up and almost 3 inches of standing water. We have a reporter en route.

12:01 a.m.

As of the most recent update from the National Hurricane Center, the center of the storm is located 182 miles south-southwest of downtown Jacksonville and is moving to the north-northwest at 14 mph. it is still a weak Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. A National Ocean Service observing site in Clearwater beach measured a sustained wind of 59 mph with a gust of 79 mph.

11:51 p.m.

More updates on power outages:

• JEA: 33,619
• CLAY ELECTRIC: 46,042
• FPL:
• St Johns: 10,400
• Clay: 160
• Putnam: 680
• Flagler: 22,110
• GEORGIA POWER:
• CAMDEN:  3,035
• GLYNN: 1,765
   

11:50 p.m.

11:40 p.m.

11:35 p.m.

Power outages continue to grow by the minute. The latest outage numbers:

• JEA: 22,489
• CLAY ELECTRIC: 36,316
• FPL: WEBSITE DOWN
• GEORGIA POWER:
• CAMDEN:  3,035
• GLYNN: 1,765
   

11:13 p.m.

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

• JEA: 21,206 customers without power
• CLAY ELECTRIC: 29,469
• FPL: WEBSITE DOWN
• GEORGIA POWER:
• CAMDEN:  1,616
• GLYNN: 1,347
   

10:59 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center's 11 p.m. advisory showed that Irma has weakened a bit to maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, a weak Category 2 storm.  The center of the storm is now 195 miles south of downtown Jacksonville, continuing to move north-northwest at 14 mph. Irma is projected to drop 8 to 12 inches of rain on northeast Florida with isolated locations that could see as much as 16 inches.

11:05 p.m.

News4Jax's Vic Micolucci reported that power was flickering at the beaches. At times, it's pitch black and big green flashes can be seen from transformers blowing.

10:54 p.m.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office tweeted that a tree took a power line down on Tanbark Road in Ortega Forest.

This tree fell in Ortega Forest and nearly hit the News4Jax news vehicle. Erik Avanier says that there are numerous tall trees that have fallen during the storms in Ortega Forest.

10:25 p.m.

In Nassau County, rains are picking up on Amelia Island. News4Jax's Brian Jackson is watching for closing of the bridge to Amelia Island. For now, it remains open.

10:24 p.m.

Airmen and soldiers with the Florida National Guard are staged at Camp Blanding, waiting for Irma to pass. Their mission is to get roadways and airfields cleared so emergency personnel can get relief mission going.

10:22 p.m.

News4Jax's Lynsey Gardner is in St. Augustine and says she is seeing increased winds there. She detected gusts of 56 mph where she is.

10:19 p.m.

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE: 

• JEA reports 12,917 people are without power.
• Clay Electric reports 19,456 people are without power.
• Florida Power Light reporting 23,900 people without power
• Including 4,400 in St. Johns County
• 10 in Nassau County, 610 in Putnam County
• 17,440 in Flagler County
• 50 in Baker County
• 1,230 in Columbia County
• 160 in Clay County.
• 3,568 in Alachua County
• Camden County: 1,259 customers out
• Glynn County: 1,379 customers out

10:14 p.m.

The Associated Press is reporting that a third construction crane has fallen in Irma's winds. The latest in Fort Lauderdale. There are no injuries reported.

10:05 p.m.

A building next to the Family Dollar on Blanding Blvd. had the marquee knocked down by the storm.

10:04 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center's 10 p.m. update puts the eye of Irma 207 miles south-southwest of downtown Jacksonville. An unofficial observing station in Clearwater Beach just measured a wind gust of 78 mph. The storm has accelerated just a bit, now moving north at 14 mph.

9:51 p.m.

Utility trucks are lined up in St. Augustine ready to get to work if power goes out in the Ancient City.

9:42 p.m.

POWER OUTAGE UPDATES: JEA is reporting 15,445 customers out of power, Clay Electric has 12,621 customers without power. FPL is having trouble with their website and have not been able to report outages lately.

9:40 p.m.

News4Jax's Eric Avanier is in Lake City where he found the Waffle House open and serving hungry evacuees and residents. 

9:38 p.m.

9:35 p.m.

News4Jax's Vic Micolucci reported from Jacksonville Beach that a part of a tree went through the roof of a house in Jacksonville Beach. The top of an oak tree snapped off in high winds and punctured the roof above the garage of a house west of 3rd St. and south of Beach Blvd. JFRD responded to the house.

9:31 p.m.

News4Jax's Scott Johnson says that the ceiling tiles were coming in at the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center. Scott is following the possible tornado in St. Johns County.

8:50 p.m.

A possible tornado or water spout touched down in St. Johns County Sunday night after 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service reported a storm report of a tornado or tornado-like damage on 4th Street North in St. Augustine. News4Jax was told the the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office was investigating downed power lines.

Patricia Butner, who lives on 2nd Avenue in Vilano Beach said that she was sitting on her porch with her husband when he grabbed her and pushed her through the front door.

“It sounded like the roof was coming off my house,”  Butner said. “There are trees in the road, trees everywhere,”

Brian Gatchell, who lives near the St. Augustine Airport on B Ave. called it “the scariest situation ever.”

He also said he saw trees down near his home, but that there were no injuries on his block.

8:15 p.m.

Hurricane Irma set all sorts of records for brute strength before crashing into Florida, flattening islands in the Caribbean and swamping the Florida Keys.

It finally hit the mainland as a big wide beast, but not quite as monstrous as once feared. The once-Category 5 storm lost some of its power on the northern Cuba coast.
   
Irma continues raking Florida with devastating storm surges, winds and rain. At 8 p.m., top sustained winds were 105 mph and the center of the storm is about 15 miles inland from Fort Myers.