* WHAT. South winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts up to 55 kt and seas 11 to 16 ft. * WHERE. Coastal waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach FL out 20 NM, Coastal waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL out 20 NM, Coastal waters from St. Augustine to Flagler Beach FL out 20 NM, Waters from Altamaha Sound GA to Fernandina Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM, Waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL from 20 to 60 NM and Waters from St. Augustine to Flagler Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible from through the next few hours. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Bunnell - Espanola - Andalusia * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 30-40 mph with gusts to 40 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through this evening - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The threat from storm surge is diminishing as flood waters recede. - PREPARE: Heed instructions from local officials when moving about. Do not enter flooded areas. - ACT: Exercise safety. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional surge impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual surge impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no potential for flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect against flooding rain at this time. - ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - The tornado threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - Family Emergency Plans (FEMA): http://ready.gov/hurricanes - Local weather conditions and forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/jax/

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Fruit Cove - Switzerland - Bakersville - Picolata * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Tropical Storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 35-45 mph with gusts to 45 mph - Window for Tropical Storm force winds: through the next few hours - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect property should now be complete. The area remains subject to limited wind damage. - ACT: Now is the time to shelter from hazardous wind. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: through this evening - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - PLAN: The threat from storm surge is diminishing as flood waters recede. - PREPARE: Heed instructions from local officials when moving about. Do not enter flooded areas. - ACT: Exercise safety. - REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed - Little to no additional surge impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual surge impacts accordingly. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no potential for flooding rain - The flooding rain threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect against flooding rain at this time. - ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - The tornado threat has decreased from the previous assessment. - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - Family Emergency Plans (FEMA): http://ready.gov/hurricanes - Local weather conditions and forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/jax/

* WHAT. Southwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 9 to 14 ft. * WHERE. Coastal waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach FL out 20 NM, Waters from Altamaha Sound GA to Fernandina Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM and Waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL from 20 to 60 NM. * WHEN. Tropical Storm force winds possible from through the next few hours. * IMPACTS. Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas will capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 20 to 30 kt and gusty and seas 6 to 11 ft. * WHERE. Northeast Florida coastal waters from Fernandina Beach FL to Flagler Beach FL out to 20 NM. * WHEN. Until 9 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

A Marine Weather Statement has been issued for the following areas. Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm. Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 20-60 nm. Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm. Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm. At 1115 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a shower, capable of producing winds to around 30 knots. This shower was located 13 nm northeast of Bethune Beach, or 15 nm northeast of Edgewater, moving northeast at 30 knots.

* WHAT. Dangerous rip currents. * WHERE. Coastal Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie, Martin, and Brevard Counties. * WHEN. Until 11 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 20 to 30 kt with a few gusts to 35 knots, and seas 8 to 13 ft. * WHERE. Coastal waters from Altamaha Sound to Fernandina Beach FL out 20 NM, Waters from Altamaha Sound GA to Fernandina Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM and Waters from Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine FL from 20 to 60 NM. * WHEN. Until 9 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt with a few gusts to 35 knots, and seas 7 to 10 ft. * WHERE. Northeast Florida coastal waters from Fernandina Beach FL to Flagler Beach FL out to 20 NM. * WHEN. Until 9 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS. Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

* WHAT. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * WHERE. Portions of northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. * WHEN. Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

HLSJAX This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia **HELENE CONTINUES TO PULL AWAY TO THE NORTH OF THE AREA. GUSTY SOUTHWEST WINDS CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY THIS AFTERNOON** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - All watches and warnings have been canceled * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * STORM INFORMATION: - About 280 miles north-northwest of Jacksonville FL - 34.2N 83.0W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 30 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Helene continues to track off to the north over northern Georgia. All tropical storm warnings were dropped for the land areas. Gusty winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts near 40 mph possible today. These winds will continue to diminish this afternoon. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Little to no additional wind impacts expected. - Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly. - Emergency response teams are attending to casualty situations as needed. - Emergency work crews are restoring essential community infrastructure as necessary. - If you have an emergency dial 9 1 1. Elsewhere across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Remain safely sheltered until conditions improve. When going outside be sure to stay away from downed power lines, hazardous debris and flooded areas. If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws. Check to see if everyone in your group is OK. Administer first aid to those who are injured. If possible, call 9 1 1 for any serious injuries. Remember, it may be difficult for emergency responders to arrive quickly. Check on your neighbors. If necessary, help them connect with their points of contact. Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until local authorities have inspected roads and bridges and have given the all clear. Hazards like downed power lines and trees, washed out roads, continued flooding in low lying areas and non-functioning traffic lights make travel difficult. Allow extra time for emergency vehicles to reach you as they navigate road hazards. When entering areas that have been heavily damaged, bring along a GPS-enabled device to help with street navigation. Do not drive on roads that have been marked closed. Do not go sightseeing within impacted communities. Sightseers interfere with the emergency work of first responders. When inspecting damage, use flashlights rather than candles or flamed lanterns. Be aware of sparks that can ignite natural gas or other leaking flammables. Do not go up on your roof until the weather conditions are safe. Ladders can be slippery in the rain and unexpected wind gusts can blow you off the roof. When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes. Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance. Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience do the job. Never cut trees without a partner. If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following instructions provided by the manufacturer. Operate your generator in a well-ventilated space outside of your living area and away from open doors and windows. Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood waters. Keep children away from flood waters. Also, listen for boil water alerts as tap water may have become non-potable. Be alert for any lingering wind gusts which could take down weakened trees and/or power lines, collapse damaged structures, or cause flying debris. Be alert for flooded roads which could be compromised or littered with debris. Avoid travel until water levels subside and roads have been cleared. Do not drive through places where flood waters cover the road. Turn around, don't drown! * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- As it pertains to this event. this will be the last local statement issued by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville FL regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

HLSJAX This product covers Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia ****HELENE DOWNGRADED TO A TROPICAL STORM WHILE MOVING RAPIDLY THROUGH GEORGIA**** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued and the Hurricane Warning has been cancelled for Atkinson, Clinch, Coffee, Eastern Hamilton, Echols, Gilchrist, Jeff Davis, Northern Columbia, Southeastern Columbia, Southwestern Columbia, Suwannee, Western Alachua, Western Hamilton, and Western Marion * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Bradford, Brantley, Central Marion, Clinch, Coastal Camden, Coastal Duval, Coastal Flagler, Coastal Glynn, Coastal Nassau, Coastal St. Johns, Coffee, Eastern Alachua, Eastern Clay, Eastern Hamilton, Eastern Marion, Eastern Putnam, Echols, Gilchrist, Inland Camden, Inland Flagler, Inland Glynn, Inland Nassau, Inland St. Johns, Jeff Davis, Northeastern Charlton, Northern Columbia, Northern Ware, Pierce, South Central Duval, Southeastern Columbia, Southern Ware, Southwestern Columbia, Suwannee, Trout River, Union, Wayne, Western Alachua, Western Charlton, Western Clay, Western Duval, Western Hamilton, Western Marion, and Western Putnam * STORM INFORMATION: - About 190 miles north-northwest of Jacksonville FL - 32.8N 83.0W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 30 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Helene is moving toward the north near 30 mph which will take the ceter over central and northeastern Georgia. Hurricane warnings Flash Flood Watch and Tornado Watches have all been lowered with Tropical Storm Warnings remainind over the entire area. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Potential impacts from the main surge event continue across coastal northeast Florida and southeast Georgia and within the St. Johns River Basin. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. * WIND: Potential impacts from the wind continue across Suwannee Valley and far inland southeast Georgia. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having potentially devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed. Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks. - Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Large areas with power and communications outages. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Continue to follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Keep a battery-powered radio, charged cell phone and flashlight handy. Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If you are prone to flooding or in an area under a storm surge watch or warning, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville FL prior to 9 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida. St Johns River Near Astor affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. For the St. Johns River. including Astor. Minor flooding is forecast. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued Friday afternoon at 1245 PM EDT. * WHAT. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN. Until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 2.8 feet, Docks and boat ramps covered at South Moon Fish Camp and approaching sea wall at Blair's Jungle Den. Water approaching sites closest to the river at Fish Tales RV Resort and Astor Landing Campground. Portion of Clair Street covered by river water south of the Butler Boat Ramp. Docks underwater at the Astor Bridge Marina and along Riveredge Drive. Portions of Fox Road are covered with water nearest to the river. Acorn, Hazelnut and Redbud roads are underwater with yards inundated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 8:30 PM EDT Thursday the stage was 2.7 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity. The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 PM EDT Thursday was 2.9 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to remain steady above flood stage at 2.7 feet through Friday and then decline slowly into early next week while remaining above flood stage. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida. St Johns River Near Astor affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. .Due to the lack of rainfall over the Saint Johns Basin from Hurricane Helene, river levels at Astor are presently forecast to very slowly decline through Minor Flood Stage through early next week. For the St. Johns River. including Astor. Minor flooding is forecast. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued this evening at 1000 PM EDT. * WHAT. Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE. St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN. Until further notice. * IMPACTS. At 2.8 feet, Docks and boat ramps covered at South Moon Fish Camp and approaching sea wall at Blair's Jungle Den. Water approaching sites closest to the river at Fish Tales RV Resort and Astor Landing Campground. Portion of Clair Street covered by river water south of the Butler Boat Ramp. Docks underwater at the Astor Bridge Marina and along Riveredge Drive. Portions of Fox Road are covered with water nearest to the river. Acorn, Hazelnut and Redbud roads are underwater with yards inundated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS. - At 9:30 AM EDT Friday the stage was 2.6 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity. The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:30 AM EDT Friday was 2.9 feet. - Forecast. The river is expected to remain steady above flood stage at 2.6 feet. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood