ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — An essential north-south artery is "90 percent" likely to be shut down after the ocean overtopped state Highway A1A Wednesday afternoon.
As rising water and storm surge from Hurricane Dorian pounded the coast, the vulnerable highway was temporarily closed.
St. Johns County Public Works Director Neal Shinkre said the ultimate decision to close the highway rests with the Florida Department of Transportation, since it is a state road. However, he said the road is "undrivable."
Shinkre noted the worst is yet to come, since high tides and storm surge were expected to peak in the early afternoon hours.
First Coast News reporter Jossyln Howard, who was on the scene, confirmed law enforcement has stopped traffic in both directions.
No formal announcement has been made to close the road.