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Based on the current forecast track, Hurricane Matthew poses a significant threat of tropical storm conditions to Northeast Florida from early Friday through Saturday morning. The EOC is currently at Level 1 activation and a local state of emergency has been declared.

Due to Clay County’s location inside the storm’s projected impact cone, the uncertainty of the storm’s predicted path and intensity and the threat of significant storm surge flooding along and adjacent to the St. Johns River and adjacent tributaries, all Clay County residents located in Evacuation Zones A and B are advised to evacuate from those zones to a safe location outside the inundation area. All residents of mobile homes and other vulnerable housing located anywhere in our county are encouraged to relocate to a shelter or other more substantial structure today.

The following schools will open as shelters today:

•Orange Park High School, general population and pet-friendly, 5pm

oPet owners must stay at shelter with pets

oBring all necessary supplies to care for your pets (crates, etc)

•Keystone Heights High School, general population, 5pm

•Lake Asbury Junior High School, general population and special needs residents, 2pm

*Bring extra bedding, special snacks, medications and entertainment items with you to any shelter location.

Those leaving the area or relocating to shelter should anticipate heavy traffic congestion on our county’s major roadways. All residents are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel. For detailed questions related to evacuation zones please go to http://maps.claycountygov.com/clayview or call (904) 284-7703. On Friday, once wind speeds reach or exceed 45 mph sustained, public safety response to calls for service will be limited for the safety of first responders. Please take this into consideration now if you are deciding whether or not to evacuate versus sheltering in place.

Clay County Closures:

On Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th, all county solid waste disposal facilities will be closed. Facilities will reopen to the public on Monday, October 10th. Information about curbside garbage pick-up rescheduling will be provided once the actual impact of the storm is known. No public school on Thursday or Friday and all school-related extracurricular activities and sporting events have also been cancelled. Clay County Sheriff’s Office buildings will be closed to the public Thursday and Friday. All Clay County government offices will close today (Thursday) at noon and remain closed on Friday. Health Department offices statewide are closed today and Friday.

Sand bag filling station locations:

•Station #14 Middleburg (Everett Avenue)

•Station #22 Fleming Island (Pine Avenue)

•Green Cove Springs Public Works (Gum Street)

Our county’s Citizen Information Center (CIC) is open now at (904) 284-7703.

Given the current track, it is probable that our county will experience heavy rains and high winds for an extended period of time beginning Friday morning. With those conditions, there is a strong possibility of extended power outages that COULD last days. If you plan on staying home, going to a family or friend’s home, or to a local shelter, communicate those plans now to any local or out of state family.

We also would like to remind all residents and businesses to sign up for local emergency alerts at alert.claycountygov.com.

Clay County Emergency Management urges residents to take Hurricane Matthew seriously and to take the time now to prepare for the anticipated impact of this storm. Stay tuned to local weather reports regarding the progress and development of this storm.