Farewell to Fay... almost

Farewell to Fay... almost

IGood riddance! That’s the sentiment in most of the area as Tropical Storm Fay finally makes it’s way out of north Florida. Rains are expected to linger over parts of the area, but the most intense weather associated with Fay has moved on. But don’t get too excited yet, forecasters say there could be pockets of periodically heavy rain and some wind lingering this weekend causing more flooding and tree damage.

Fay dumped copious amount of rain with some areas getting more than 10 inches. Flooded roadways and yards along with uprooted trees have been reported in almost every community.

Fay dumped copious amount of rain with some areas getting more than 10 inches. Flooded roadways and yards along with uprooted trees have been reported in almost every community. Breaking tree limbs and wind caused numerous power outages.

Flooding will continue in some areas. The St. Marys River in Baker County and Black Creek in Clay County are expected to continue to rise. Residents along both waterways are warned to be alert to rising water.

Baker County has no mandatory evacuations at this time. However, recent information from county personnel as well as the National Weather Service indicate that the St. Mary's River was at 16.3 feet as of 9:00PM on Friday, August 22, 2008 and expected to crest at 20.1 feet by 12:00AM on Sunday morning. Residents of the St. Mary's Cove area are strongly encouraged to evacuate and seek shelter.

There are an increasing number of roads under water in the Turkey Creek II area and the River Oak Drive area of Baker county as well. Residents of these areas are also encouraged to evacuate and seek shelter.

A portion of Interstate 10 between mile-markers 323 and 324 on the westbound side was under water Friday night and a detour was established between CR 229S and US 90.

In Clay County, Black Creek is expected to crest at 20 feet today. Most homes will flood about 2 feet higher. Many docks along Black Creek, Doctor’s Inlet and the St. John’s River are under water. All slips at Knight’s Marina are underwater.

Near Raiford, SR 121 one-half mile north of CR 125 is under water and several other roadways have standing water. The Union County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to please utilize caution when driving, but also try and eliminate any driving that is not essential.

In Bradford County, the major roads remain open but the heavy rains has rendered several dirt roads impassable. He said a few homes were damaged from fallen trees.

There are continued reports of other closed and impassable roads. For more information contact your local county emergency operations center.