PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – Putnam County is urging some people in low-lying areas to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton, which has the potential to bring major flooding.
The evacuations are recommended for people in areas likely to flood, including Zones F and A.
On the map below, those are the areas in pink and red.
That includes the area along Dunns Creek, a large section of Palatka’s Northside and sections of the St Johns River.
Resident can check their evacuation zone here.
Shelters
Putnam County will open five shelters at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8
- Ochwilla Elementary - 299 State Road 21 in Hawthorne (Pet-friendly location)
- Kelley Smith Elementary - 141 Kelley Smith School Road in Palatka (Special needs location)
- Jenkins Elementary - 251 County Road 315, San Mateo
- Browning Pearce Elementary - 100 Bear Boulevard, San Mateo
- Middleton Burney Elementary - 1020 Huntington Road - Crescent City
Schools
All Putnam County School District schools will be closed Tuesday through Thursday.
All after-school programs/athletic activities are canceled beginning Tuesday through Thursday.
A decision for Friday will be made at a later time.
Other closures
The business offices of the City of Palatka, the Palatka Police and Fire Departments, and the Palatka Gas Authority will close at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Weather conditions permitting, the offices are expected to reopen for regular business on Monday.
While City offices may be closed, the City Police, Firefighters, Public Works, and City Water, Gas, and Sewer services will operate continuously during this storm to serve and protect residents.
Garbage collection
City residential garbage service will continue in Palatka on Tuesday but will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday. If conditions allow, regular residential collection will resume on Friday. Commercial collection is expected to continue if conditions allow.
More info
If you have an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency issues such as fallen trees, flooding during the storm, or other storm-related concerns or questions, call the Citizen Information Call Center at 386-329-1904 between Oct. 7 from noon to 8 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 8:30 a.m.
Residents are advised to check the City’s website at www.palatka-fl.gov or Putnam County’s website at www.main.putnam-fl.com, and to monitor local media for more information.