Nassau County Emergency Management is staging rescue boats and has ordered the opening of the First Baptist Church in Hilliard to supplement the existing host shelter at The Journey Church in Yulee as a precaution.
Nassau County Director of Emergency Management Billy Estep issued the order Thursday because additional rain is in the weather forecast.
Estep said while Hurricane Jose will not make landfall in Florida, it is pushing water toward the First Coast.
Related: Local weather forecast
A flood warning was issued earlier Thursday for the lower half of the St. Mary’s River. Residents along the St. Mary’s, Thomas Creek, and Lofton Creek are being instructed to remain vigilant and watch for rising waters. Many local waterways have not yet crested, according to Nassau County Emergency Management.
Schools in Nassau County remained closed Thursday. A decision on when to reopen will be made based upon restoration of power to several schools in the county.
Related: Current Nassau County power outages reported by FLP
Estep also announced the local social services organization, Barnabas, will provide meals on Monday, September 18, at the Northeast Florida Fair Grounds, located at 543378 US Hwy 1 in Callahan, for returning evacuees or any other residents in need of a free meal.
The meals will be distributed between noon and 1 p.m.
