Residents of the San Marco and Riverside areas are advised to prepare for significant flooding later this afternoon, and to take steps to protect life and property.

City of Jacksonville officials monitoring the situation advise that flooding is already occurring in the area from heavy rainfall. In San Marco, pumps are working; however, water from the St. Johns River is expected to begin overtopping the bulkhead, and pumping capacity is not sufficient to handle the volume. In Riverside, there are reports of water already beginning to overtop the bulkhead.

Flooding in these areas is expected to become more severe as high tide approaches around 3:00 p.m., and there is concern that additional overtopping of the bulkhead may occur, leading to even more extensive flooding.

In San Marco, all streets in the area bordered on the south by Arbor Lane, the east by Hendricks Ave., and the north and west by the St. Johns River will be closed.  (map)

In Riverside, all streets in the area bordered on the south by Azalea Terrace, on the north by Herschel Street, on the east by Margaret Street and on the west by the St. Johns River, will be closed.  (map)

Residents should also be advised to stay out of standing water, which may become contaminated as the sewer system is overtaxed.