Tropical Storm Colin to cause strong winds and rain – Fort Clinch evacuated

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
June 6, 2016 12:19 p.m.

Fort Clinch State Park personnel warned campers last night that they might order an evacuation of the campground during the Monday morning hours and they did.  At 8:00 a.m. today, campers were told it is time to leave.

Nassau County Emergency Management (NCEM) is operating at a level 2. According to information on the NCEM website, “Level 2 usually indicates a threat is looming, or some large event or incident of concern is developing which could adversely impact our county. Staff members focus on assessing the situation, making preparations to manage a crisis, and determining trigger points for further action. The team is maintaining heightened awareness, consulting with subject matter experts, answering questions from the public and the media, and communicating with key stakeholders who will assist in the EOC if the situation continues to develop for the worse. Emergency management personnel, volunteers, and key individuals from other agencies may be working after hours or through the weekend preparing Incident Action Plans for enhanced public safety operations and to ensure readiness for potential local impacts. High-profile events, civil unrest, and disaster recovery operations may also be handled at this level.”

Area weather sources indicate Tropical Storm Colin should arrive in our area Tuesday morning producing rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph.  As the storm moves closer early this evening, conditions in our area will begin to deteriorate.