St. Johns area residents face up to 10 inches of rain this week after the National Weather Service Jacksonville issued a Flood Watch on Sunday, Oct. 4.

The watch covers St. Johns, Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Switzerland and Durbin Crossing along with other areas north of I-10. It took effect at noon Sunday and runs through 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, according to the NWS Jacksonville forecast.

The NWS Jacksonville briefing, issued Sunday at 1:45 p.m., projects 4 to 7 inches of rain over five days. The high-end potential reaches 10 inches. An additional 2 to 6 inches of rain is forecast through Wednesday night alone.

The agency warned that flooding of low-lying areas, areas with poor drainage and urban areas is possible. Areas that already received heavy rain on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday face the greatest risk.

Nor'easter adds to the threat

A moderately strong nor'easter is expected to develop Tuesday, bringing gusty winds, dangerous surf and rip currents, and the potential for moderate tidal flooding. Coastal gusts of 35 to 45 mph and gale conditions are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.

From Tuesday through Thursday, increasing tides combined with heavy rainfall may cause additional flooding impacts. The NWS briefing identified the coast, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the St. Johns and St. Marys river basins as areas at risk. Moderate tidal flooding is expected around high tides Tuesday and Wednesday.

A moderate rip current risk is in effect at all area beaches through Monday.

What residents should do

The NWS urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways: turn around, don't drown.

St. Johns County's flood information page notes that flooding in the county is primarily caused by heavy rainfall in short periods. Residents who do not carry flood insurance should be aware that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies have a 30-day waiting period before taking effect.

St. Johns County holds a Community Rating System (CRS) Class 5 designation from FEMA, which provides a 25 percent discount on NFIP policies for county property owners.

Residents can contact the St. Johns County Floodplain Management Team at (904) 827-6800, Option 6, for flood zone information.