County Residents Urged to Take Safety Precautions Ahead of Weekend Weather

• 23 October 2026
• Category: Public Safety SJC News
• Tags: 2026

St. Johns County Emergency Management urges residents to avoid flooded roadways, stay out of dangerous surf, and secure outdoor items as strong northeast winds and high tides could cause tidal flooding and dangerous beach conditions Saturday through Monday.

St. Johns County Emergency Management is urging residents to avoid driving through flooded roadways, stay out of dangerous surf, and secure outdoor decorations and loose objects as strengthening northeast winds and unusually high tides are expected to bring hazardous conditions to St. Johns County this weekend.

The National Weather Service Jacksonville’s Friday morning briefing forecasts peak wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph Sunday into Monday, with moderate to locally major tidal flooding possible along the Atlantic coast, Intracoastal Waterway, and St. Johns River basin. The greatest flooding concerns are expected Saturday through Monday, particularly around high tide.

The combination of strengthening northeast winds and the highest astronomical tides of the year is expected to worsen tidal flooding.

Residents should take the following precautions now:

• Never drive through flooded roadways. Turn around and find another route. Floodwater can conceal dangerous road conditions, and even shallow water can create hazards.

• Avoid flood-prone areas during high tide. Residents in low-lying coastal areas and along tidal waterways should prepare for possible flooding.
• Stay out of dangerous surf. A high rip current risk and life-threatening beach hazards are expected through at least Monday. Avoid entering the water when conditions are dangerous and follow posted beach safety guidance.
• Avoid hazardous boating conditions. Gale conditions are possible in local coastal waters Saturday through Monday. Boaters should monitor marine advisories and postpone trips when conditions are unsafe.
• Secure outdoor decorations and loose objects. Bring in or firmly secure holiday decorations, lawn ornaments, patio furniture, trash cans, and other items that could be blown around by strong winds.
• Monitor official weather updates. Conditions and flooding impacts may change throughout the weekend. Visit National Weather Service Jacksonville for the latest information.

St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

• Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook
• Sign up for the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system on the Emergency Management web page
  • Ensure notification settings selected allow you to be alerted at all times for your safety.