JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Tropical Storm Elsa remains on a projected path just off Florida’s Gulf Coast, with landfall Wednesday in the Big Bend region and a move to the northeast through the Suwannee Valley and into Southeast Georgia.
While Northeast Florida is not in the direct path, we are under Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches, we are on the powerful, “dirty” side of the storm, which means a greater chance of severe weather and even a risk of tornadoes.
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Depending on the exact track Elsa takes, here’s how the tropical storm could affect Northeast Florida through Wednesday.
MORE ONLINE: Specific tropical forecast for your city/neighborhood | Impacts for NE Florida and SE Georgia | Interactive tracking map
Jacksonville/Duval County
- Western Duval County under a Tropical Storm Watch
- 15-25 mph winds; gusts to 40 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-4″
- Potential for flash flooding, storm surge
- Slight tornado threat
- Scattered power outages
- All city-operated summer camps and pools closed Wednesday
- Duval County Public Schools student-related camps and summer schools closed Wednesday
- Red Cross shelters will not open, but Sulzbacher will provide overnight shelters for anyone in need of shelter.
- YMCA day camps closed Wednesday
- Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection is scheduled to continue normally Wednesday in Duval County, although Atlantic Beach has suspended its routes for Wednesday.
- People with flights in or out of JAX are urged to confirm with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Clay County
- Under a Tropical Storm Warning
- Emergency Operations Center activated (Level 2 - moderate)
- Slight tornado threat
- 15-27 mph winds; gusts to 45 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-4″
- Potential for flash flooding
- Scattered power outages
- Garbage, recycling and yard waste pickup suspended on Wednesday
- Clay County is offering sandbags until 6 p.m. Tuesday at Omega Park at 4317 County Road 218 in Middleburg. Bring your own shovel.
- Clay County schools canceled all meal service and extracurricular activities Wednesday.
- Green Cove Springs City Hall closed Wednesday morning
- YMCA day camps closed Wednesday
Nassau County
- Western Nassau County under Tropical Storm Warning
- 25-30 mph winds; gusts to 45 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-3″
- Potential for flash flooding, storm surge
- Pre-filled sandbags available until at least 8 p.m. at the Yulee Road Department, 86200 Gene Lasserre Blvd., and the Hilliard Road Department, 37356 Pea Farm Road.
- YMCA day camps closed Wednesday
- All summer programs of the Nassau County School District are canceled Wednesday.
St. Johns County
- Slight tornado threat
- 25-33 mph winds; gusts to 45 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-3″
- Potential for flash flooding, storm surge
- Scattered power outages
- YMCA day camps closed Wednesday
- All offices and services, including garbage collection, are expected to continue on normal schedules.
Baker/Columbia counties
- Under a Tropical Storm Watch
- 20-35 mph winds; gusts to 50 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-5″
- Potential for flash flooding
- Scattered power outages
- Columbia County is opening three shelters from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Individuals with special needs will have power supply for medical devices. These shelters are for shelter only as no food or beverages will be provided. Shelters will be at Westside Community Center, 431 SW Birley Ave. in Lake City; Ft. White Community Center, 17579 FL-47 in Fort White; and the Winfield Community Center, 1324 NW Winfield St. in Lake City.
- Columbia County will distribute sandbags Tuesday until 9 p.m. at its Public Works Department, 607 NW Quinten St. in Lake City, and at the Ft. White Community Center, 17579 FL-47.
- YMCA day camps closed Wednesday
Alachua/Bradford/Union counties
- Under a Tropical Storm Watch
- Slight tornado threat
- 25-35 mph winds; gusts to 45 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-4″
- Potential for flash flooding
- Scattered power outages
- The University of Florida will cancel classes and close all non-essential activities on its Gainesville campus on Wednesday.
- Bradford County has sandbags available at its Public Works site on West Market Road.
- The High Springs Fire Department in Alachua County is offering sandbags from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Memorial Park at 17380 NW U.S. Highway 441.
Flagler County
- 20-30 mph gusts; gusts to 55 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-3″
- Potential for flash flooding, storm surge
- Scattered power outages
- Trash pickup suspended on Wednesday
Putnam County
- 17-27 mph winds; gusts to 40 mph
- Tropical downpours: 2-3″
- Potential for flash flooding
- Scattered power outages