Hurricane Helene affected Jacksonville in significant ways overnight, including widespread power outages, downed powerlines and trees across the city, and isolated flooding in the areas that we expected.
 
With these impacts in mind, City of Jacksonville offices will be closed on Friday, September 27.For the safety of our staff and citizens, only essential employees will report to work today, and the Duval County Emergency Operations Center will continue to be fully activated.
 
Media Briefings: Mayor Donna Deegan and city leaders will provide updates on the storm response during media briefings at 12:05 PM and 6:05 PM today in the Duval County Emergency Operations Center, 515 N Julia St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. 
 
Shelters: The five city shelters will remain open with the possibility of extending availability if citizen needs continue. Citizens who are medically dependent on electricity special medical needs can call 630-CITY (2489) to setup shelter transportation. JTA will continue to offer free rides to shelters.
 
Stay Home: Citizens are encouraged to stay at home and off the roads today so that JEA can restore power, and first responders can clear roadways. Now is not the time to venture out while there are downed power lines and standing water that could be energized or of unknown depth. We urge citizens to not drive through or go near standing water.
 
Information: Citizens should continue looking to local officials and media outlets for reliable information on the situation. For non-emergency questions, call 630-CITY (2489). For emergencies, call 911. We ask all citizens for patience as power restoration and road clearing operations move forward as quickly and safely as possible.