St. Johns County could get 3 to 4 more inches of rain through Friday morning, Oct. 9. St. Johns County Emergency Management posted the warning Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The county said the additional rainfall could cause localized flooding, particularly in low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Higher amounts are possible in some spots.

Gusty winds, dangerous surf threaten coast

Northeast winds are expected to pick up Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 7, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible near the coast. Coastal areas face rough surf, dangerous rip currents and beach erosion, with breaking waves building to 5 to 8 feet.

The advisory updates a forecast the National Weather Service Jacksonville office posted Saturday, Oct. 3, which projected 4 to 7 inches of rain over five days with up to 10 inches possible across northeast Florida. A flood watch was already in effect for the region as of Oct. 4.

The NWS forecast also called for minor to moderate tidal flooding Tuesday through Thursday along the Atlantic Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway and tidal tributaries of the St. Johns and St. Marys river basins. News4JAX reported Sunday, Oct. 4, that a Small Craft Advisory was likely for Atlantic waters with occasional gusts reaching gale force.

The storm has already disrupted plans. The St. Augustine Beach Police Department canceled its National Night Out event scheduled for Tuesday, citing consultation with county Emergency Management. The department said first responders may need to shift to storm-related duties.

County urges residents to prepare

Emergency Management listed several steps residents should take:

  • Stay off flooded roads. The county urged drivers to turn around rather than drive through floodwater.
  • Bring in or secure loose outdoor items that could be moved by wind.
  • Stay out of the water near the coast and watch for strong rip currents.
  • Monitor conditions through the Alert St. Johns notification system, available at the county's Emergency Management web page, or follow the department's Facebook page for updates.

Residents can reach St. Johns County Emergency Management at (904) 824-5550. The rain window extends through Friday morning.