CLAY COUNTY—Clay County emergency officials continued to monitor Milton as it quickly turned from a disturbance to a Tropical Storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than 24 hours.

As of 11 a.m. It was on track to hit the Florida West Coast near Tampa with winds of at least 120 mph on Monday. While its exit point on the East Coast isn’t clear, it can be anywhere between Jacksonville and Fort Pierce.

Regardless, Clay County should expect excessive winds and rain, the National Weather Service said. Tropical storm-force winds are most likely to arrive mid-day to late evening on Wednesday. On its current track, the county should expect to see the main effects of Hurricane Milton early Wednesday morning. Like Helene, this will be an overnight storm that will continue throughout Wednesday.

Residents should see tropical storm-force winds around 39-57 mph and heavy rainfall. Flooding along Black Creek will be a concern, with possible flooding on Wednesday and Thursday.

Orange Park, Fleming Island and Green Cove Springs residents could see the potential for one to three feet of floodwaters from the St. Johns River. The county will continue to monitor the water levels closely.

We will announce shelter decisions and any potential evacuations on this page, alert.claycountygov.com, and in the local media as soon as those decisions are made.

Disaster debris vendors rolled out Monday to pick up vegetative storm debris piles.  

The new trash company, FCC Environmental Services is picking up bagged and containerized yard waste. The disaster debris vendor will pick up the vegetative storm debris piles.  

Tropical storm-force winds are a concern with debris piles. Crews will work as quickly as possible to pick up storm debris for as long as conditions remain safe and will resume when it is safe. FCC Environmental Services will also continue to pick up garbage and yard waste for as long as it is safe.

You should secure any unsecured items around your home.

There are five sandbag locations around the county. Bags are provided, and they are limited to 10 a person. Locations are:

• Eagle Harbor Sports Complex, 4387 LakeshoreDr., Fleming Island

• 25 Roderigo Ave., Green Cove Springs

• Orange Park Sports and Recreational Park, 1086 Fromhart St.

• Omega Park, 4317, County Road 218, Middleburg

• Keystone Heights Memorial Cemetery, 7304 State Road 100

The county’s call center is open for questions or issues associated with Hurricane Milton. That number is (877) 252-9362 or (877) CLAYEOC.

As of now, no decisions have been made on closing schools or opening shelters. Be sure to monitor alert.claycountygov.com, claytodayonline.com and social media platforms for updates.