GRAB YOUR SUNGLASSES! FIRST COAST WEATHER

The First Coast is home to beautiful weather where residents can enjoy blue skies and beach days almost all year long. With this picture-perfect weather from November until April, residents still may need to grab an umbrella with some rain showers making an appearance during the summer. The winters are mild with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. Some early risers may find a sprinkling of frost on the ground during the winter. Summers are a bit warmer, ranging from the mid70s to the low-90s, but temperatures have been known to break over 90 degrees on a sunny day. No matter the weather, there is always something fun to do on the First Coast!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

• Bounce the day away at an indoor trampoline park. Check out our list on page 135.

• Shop for the latest trends at our indoor malls, including the Avenues Mall and Orange Park Mall.

• With 38 libraries throughout the First Coast, check out some books from your local branch.

• Visit museums like the Museum of Science & History, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

• Catch a movie at the Sun-Ray Cinema, San Marco Theatre, IMAX Theater or a movie theater near you.

Weather Prep

Storm Preparations

Being prepared with emergency supplies and a plan can help reduce stress in the wake of a storm. Assemble a disaster supply kit and keep it in an easily accessible place including a first aid kit and at least a three-day supply of food and water. Items such as flashlights and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio are helpful to have to stay up to date on comprehensive 24-hour weather forecasts. Keep a full tank of gas and plan multiple travel routes out of the area. Besides learning your evacuation zone, keep in mind that if an evacuation does occur, highways, bridges and roads may close.

Protect your home by boarding up glass doors or windows with plywood or installing hurricane shutters. Collect any loose objects from the yard as they are a hazard and could fly away during high winds. The local emergency management or planning/zoning office can alert you if you live in a potential flood zone and give suggestions for additional preparation such as getting sandbags to prevent water from getting into your house.

Hurricanes

Hurricane season begins in June and lasts until the end of November and although most common during those months, hurricanes can form throughout the year. With three peninsulas, Florida gets the brunt of the storms on its coastlines, which are most threatened by these storms. As the most western point on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Northeast Florida receives fewer hurricanes than other parts of the state.

Weather Terms to Know:

Hurricane: winds 74 mph and above.

Hurricane Watch: hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours in or near the watch area.

Hurricane Warning: hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours in or near the warning area.

Tropical Depression: maximum sustained wind speed of 38 mph.

Tropical Disturbance: originates in the tropics or subtropics and maintains an identity for 24 hours.

Tropical Storm: maximum sustained wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.

Hurricane Categories:

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used by meteorologists to define a hurricane’s category and determine safety measures that residents should take for hurricane preparation or even evacuation. This categorization scale doesn’t determine other possible hurricane-related effects such as storm surge, tornadoes or flooding due to the increase of rain.

1: minimal; 74 to 95 mph winds

2: moderate; 96 to 110 mph winds

3: extensive; 111 to 129 mph winds

4: extreme; 130 to 156 mph winds

5: catastrophic; 157 mph and higher winds

Local and State Resources

Baker County: www.bakercountysheriffsoffice.com/emergency-management

Clay County: www.claycountygov.com/community/emergency-management

Duval County/City of Jacksonville: www.jaxready.com

Nassau County: www.onenassau.com

St. Johns County: www.sjcemergencymanagement.com

Florida Division of Emergency Management: www.floridadisaster.org

Tornadoes

Compared to the Midwest, tornadoes on the First Coast aren’t nearly as strong, but can still cause significant damage. Tornadoes can reach 300 mph with an average forward speed of 30 mph. If a tornado warning is issued, make sure to take shelter indoors away from the storm. When inside a building or home, stay away from windows in an inner room such as a bathroom or closet. Crouch low to the ground and cover your head with your hands. Stay aware of severe weather in the area, as tornadoes can develop quickly and advanced warning isn’t always possible.

Weather Terms to Know:

Tornado Warning: tornado sighted or indicated on radar.

Tornado Watch: tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

Waterspout: tornado that forms over warm water.