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Officials urging St. Augustine residents to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Ian

Saying it's possibly worse than past deadly storms, St. Johns County officials said residents need to heed evacuation orders before Hurricane Ian arrives.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Emergency management officials have a warning for residents of St. Augustine - get out of town. 

"This message is a very profound message that we need to convey to the residents of St. Augustine and throughout the county, but especially in the low-lying areas of the city of St. Augustine, such as South Davis Shores, parts of Lincolnville and parts of the north city," St. Johns County City Manager John Regan said Wednesday in a Facebook live.

Regan wanted those with local knowledge to understand just how bad he believes things will get in the coming days.

"The flooding is going to be above the flooding of Hurricane Irma and closer to the flooding of Hurricane Matthew," he said about the past two deadly storms in September 2016 and 2017. "It’s quick moving water. It comes in quick and goes out quick. It’s dangerous. Drowning is the big issue with this type of storm.

"This projection of four to six feet means that the water that is above the ground, that is above the road, and pressing potentially on your home, can be anywhere from two to four feet of water in the road," Regan said.

"We’re also expecting rain totals between 10 and 15 inches across the county with localized rain totals between 15 and 20 inches," said Joseph Giammanco, Director of St. Johns County Emergency Management. He joined Regan in the Facebook live.

"There’s still time to follow the evacuation order," Regan said.

>>>>> If you live in St. Johns County, can find your evacuation zone by clicking here.

As winds pick up and water accumulates Thursday, Regan said those who stick around may not be able to get across the bridge and could be stuck.

"Please evacuate," Regan pleaded. "If you live in streets that flooded in Hurricane Irma and Matthew, we are speaking directly to you. The storm is going to have more flooding than we anticipated and more wind."

RELATED: Tropics | Hurricane Ian Continuing to Weaken, Now a Category 1 Hurricane 

RELATED: St. Johns County orders mandatory evacuations for coastal areas starting 6 a.m. Wednesday

Hurricane Ian - Important Flooding Message - September 28, 2022

Posted by St. Johns County Emergency Management on Wednesday, September 28, 2022

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