JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The peak of a major storm system will be moving through Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida this afternoon, impacting our area with sustained winds similar to tropical storm conditions.
Sustained winds of 20-35 mph with 40-50 mph gusts are expected and straight-line winds could be even faster.
The peak of the storm is expected between noon and 7 p.m. Tuesday.
News4JAX Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn said strong winds and high-sided vehicles can make a dangerous combination on the bridges when winds are at their peak.
“Think about an 18-wheeler compared to a little car. There is going to be a lot of surface impact against it. And these are some of the peak non-thunderstorm winds we are going to see tomorrow,” Nunn said. “So, the upper 40 to 50 mph range will turn an easy trip across the bridge into a white-knuckle ride, especially even box trucks, panel vans, things like that are going to get buffeted around.”
A bridge’s high elevation also plays a role in the increased dangers.
“The more you get away from the ground, you lose some of the friction and the wind actually accelerates, so what may be 20, 30, 40 mph here at ground level can be stronger on our taller bridges,” Nunn said.
In Duval County, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office determines whether to close the city’s bridges when and if there are sustained winds of 40+ mph during a storm.
#JSO, along with the #COJ and the #NWS continue to monitor the approaching weather.
Remember, bridges may close as the storm intensifies. But only as a direct result of the weather – and only when the storm winds would make it unsafe for travel. Also, if necessary, bridges… pic.twitter.com/4FLlz6Zfat
— Jax Sheriff’s Office (@JSOPIO) January 9, 2024
Such closures happen suddenly and usually do not have early notice as they are often closed right when the 40 mph sustained wind threshold is met.
JSO sends an alert to the media when the decision is made and News4JAX will send a push alert and post on all social media platforms to spread the word as quickly as possible if that happens on Tuesday.
We will also send an update when the bridges are open again.
In St. Johns County, the Sheriff’s Office monitors bridges and has the authority to close bridges if sustained winds reach 40 mph. While this wind event may see gusts reach or exceed 40 mph, sustained winds at or above 40 mph are not anticipated at this time, and therefore, bridges are not anticipated to be closed.
Conditions and severity could change throughout the afternoon, so it is important to be aware of potentially severe weather.
Download our News4JAX apps to get the latest news and weather alerts during the storm.
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