JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There are nine bridges in the Jacksonville area, which means someone is always crossing over one of the region’s many waterways.
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, questions and assumptions about whether those bridges will close or remain open have continuously poured into the News4JAX newsroom.
Here’s the information you need to know about bridge closures in the Jacksonville area.
The standard for bridge closures is usually reached when sustained winds hit 40 mph or above for one consecutive minute or more.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Hurricane Milton was packing sustained winds of 145 mph with higher gusts and was moving toward the east-northeast near 12 mph.
Hurricane-force winds typically extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, while tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles.
Related: Hurricane Milton Track Updates, Closures, Evacuations & More | Know Your Zone & Flood Risk | Interactive Tropics Map
In Jacksonville, the decision to close bridges is made by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The agencies will monitor wind speeds and decide to close bridges if high winds make travel unsafe.
However, those decisions will most likely not be made until the city begins to feel Hurricane Milton’s impact. If bridges are closed, News4JAX will notify the community on-air, online, on News4JAX+, and social media.
What we know about Hurricane Milton
WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area on the west coast of Florida as early as Wednesday afternoon, with tropical storm conditions beginning early Wednesday. Hurricane conditions could begin along the east coast of Florida in the watch areas on Wednesday night, with tropical storm conditions possible beginning Wednesday afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the tropical storm warning areas of Florida beginning early Wednesday and will spread northward through the day.
- Tropical storm force winds are at a minimum of 39 mph, sustained for at least 60 seconds, and up to 73 mph. Anything above 73 mph is considered hurricane-force winds. Arrival time for winds could start as soon as late Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning, well before the eye makes landfall.
Residents are urged to follow orders from local officials during this extremely serious threat to Florida.
There is always potential for wind speed changes as Hurricane Milton evolves. Follow News4Jax’s coverage of the storm on Channel 4, News4JAX.com, and News4JAX+. Also, make sure you download the News4JAX Weather and Hurricane Apps.