Due to the intensified conditions of Hurricane Dorian, which reached Category 5 strength on Sunday, St. Johns County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Zones A and B, about 148,500 people, effective at 8 a.m. Monday.
WJCT News partner News4Jax reported Sunday afternoon those areas include the entire city of St. Augustine, the city of St. Augustine Beach and anyone in waterfront property or flood-prone areas.
Related: Tracking Dorian And More Weather-Related News
In addition, the County has ordered evacuations for low-lying areas, including Hastings and Flagler Estates. For evacuation information, including route maps and evacuation zones, visit www.sjcemergencymanagement.org/evacinfo.html.
At a news conference Sunday afternoon, county officials encouraged residents in those evacuations areas who are able to leave before Monday morning to do so.
Sheriff David Shoar said that once the evacuation order goes into effect, residents will still have unfettered access over the bridges during the evacuation period. He said the bridges would only be shut down once the wind speeds reach at least 40-45 mph, which he expected to happen late Tuesday.
"This is a storm of storms," the sheriff said. "Plan for the worst-case scenario. Pray and hope for the best."
Residents living aboard boats, and those living in RVs, mobile homes, and manufactured homes throughout St. Johns County are also included in the evacuation order. Residents who are able to evacuate and are not utilizing a St. Johns County shelter should begin evacuating as soon as possible prior to the evacuation order scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2 in order to minimize traffic congestion.
St. Johns County will also open six shelters at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. The County is prepared to open additional shelters as needed. The following shelters will be open to the public:
• Pacetti Bay Middle School, 245 Meadowlark Ln. (Special needs)
• Timberlin Creek Elementary School, 555 Pine Tree Ln. (Pet-friendly)
• Southwoods Elementary, 4750 State Road 206. (Pet-friendly)
• Pedro Menendez High School, 600 State Road 206 West. (General population)
• Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Pkwy. (General population)
• Osceola Elementary, 1605 Osceola Elementary Rd. (General population)
While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies in order to maintain personal comfort and sustenance. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested. Please refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions:
• At least five-day supply of medications, insulin and cooler if you are diabetic.
• Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies.
• Extra clothing, eyeglasses.
• Books, magazines, cards, games, etc.
• Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge.
• Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener.
• Personal identification/important papers.
For more information, please call the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center Hotline at 904-824-5550. Information can also be found at sjcfl.us.
An expanded version of this story that has additional closures and cancellations in St. Johns County is at News4Jax.com.
