Tropical Storm Debby has formed and is entering the southeast Gulf of Mexico tonight. This storm may be hurricane strength when it makes landfall on the Big Bend of Florida late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
 
There is potential for heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, frequent lightning, and life-threatening flooding in low lying areas of Jacksonville. These conditions are expected for our area regardless of the storm’s final track and intensity. The heaviest rainfall is expected to begin Sunday evening then continue through Monday.
 
With recent forecast models showing an increased potential for heavy rains and flash flooding, Mayor Deegan is declaring a local state of emergency. This is a necessary step to initiate the local resources that are needed to protect the public during the storm.

• The local state of emergency will begin on Sunday, August 4 at 8AM.
• At this time, the Duval County Emergency Operations Center will fully activate to bring together key agencies and personnel to coordinate final storm preparations, quickly deploy resources, and provide real-time response.
• Per city ordinance code, the Jacksonville City Council will be convened for a briefing on the local state of emergency declaration. This briefing will take place in the Council Chambers on Sunday, August 4 at 10AM.
• 630-CITY (2489) will also open phone lines at 8AM to answer any questions that residents may have.
• Executive Order 24-156
• Emergency Executive Proclamation 2024-001

The City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division continues to closely monitor Tropical Storm Debby. Our partners stand ready to mobilize and respond as the tropical system approaches. More updates will be provided to the public tomorrow.
 
Citizens should remain prepared and take the guidance of officials seriously. All final storm preparations should be made before Sunday evening.
 
Assess Your Home and Property: Walk around your property and clean up any limbs or debris that may clog storm drainage systems. This helps prevent damage to your property and neighboring properties.
 
Clean Drains and Gutters: Ensure that all drains and gutters are clear of debris so that water can drain properly. Blocked gutters can lead to water overflow, which might cause water damage to your home. Cleaning them out now can help mitigate potential flooding issues if we receive heavy rainfall.
 
Avoid Driving Through Flooded Roads: If you encounter flooded roads, do not attempt to drive through them. The depth of water is not always obvious. It only takes a small amount of water to float a vehicle, which can lead to dangerous situations. Always heed barricades and road closure signs put in place for your safety.
 
Stay Weather Aware: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts and updates from official sources such as the National Weather Service and the Emergency Preparedness Division (JaxReady.com). Being informed will help you make timely and safe decisions for you and your family.