District activates Emergency Operation Center as Tropical Storm Idalia moves east overnight

District Emergency Operations Center Activated to Level 2

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 28, 2023 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia and is taking proactive measures to manage the anticipated winds and rainfall in the coming days.

District urges residents to take precautions as the forecast is predicting Tropical Storm Idalia to bring high winds across most of the District’s 18-county region.

Idalia continued to shift east overnight, putting the northern half of the District’s 18-county region in its path; and while the forecast indicates Idalia to be a category one hurricane when it reaches our region, residents should be prepared to experience high winds and moderate rainfall.

The District is proactively preparing for the storm by taking the following actions:

• The District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to Level 2, which is a partial activation and means we will:
  • Maintain direct communications with the state and affected county EOCs;
  • Ensure current storm information is distributed to all District staff; and
  • Direct the safe use of the District’s recreational facilities, such as campgrounds —
• As of today, all public lands remain open for use. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and anticipate announcing closures of some properties later this week depending on the storm’s path.
• We are closely monitoring the storm’s path and water levels so we can provide information to the public and be prepared to assist our local government partners and other regional and state agencies as needed.
  • Once tropical force winds reach the District, all locks will be closed. Current forecasts have winds arriving Wed., Aug. 30.
  • Visit the District’s website at sjrwmd.com/storm for information and links to flood statements and warnings, river stages, and local government emergency contacts.

Property owners should act now to be prepared for the storm by:

• Keeping debris out of storm drains and ditches,
• Reporting clogged ditches to local governments, and
• Cleaning out gutters and extending downspouts at least four feet from structures.

Be sure to follow your county’s Emergency Operations Center for the latest local emergency updates. They serve as the primary entities responsible for emergency responses during storms including implementing state-of-emergency declarations, evacuations and rescue efforts during flood-related disasters. The District may assist local governments in their response and recovery efforts.