Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry declares state of emergency, says mandatory evacuations could begin Friday

Jacksonville, FL — As we continue to track Hurricane Irma, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry is declaring a state of emergency for the city, effective 3:00 pm Wednesday.

Curry says while there's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the storm and its ultimate effect on Jacksonville, the move is about freeing up resources.

"That declaration of emergency means just this, it means we have access to resources and funds, so we can move quickly in the event we need them," says Curry.

Curry says the storm puts us in a 'unique' situation, as we're still days out from any effects, but allows us to prepare and potentially evacuate now.

"So, we don't have the information available right now, the storm track to say whether or not there would be an evacuation today. But here's what we know, because of the evacuations that are happening in South Florida, we could have major traffic issues in the event of a mandatory evacuation. So, I am encouraging, strongly encouraging and telling you, if I were a visitor, if I were in Zone A or B right now, I would prepare and I would begin to leave," says Curry.

He says if Irma continues on the same track it's been, mandatory evacuations are likely to begin on Friday.

Curry adds,"If you have the ability to leave, if you're a visitor, if you're in Zone A or B, please leave."

If you don't have the ability to leave, the city will announce the opening of shelters on Friday.

Curry also offered a tip to any residents struggling to find bottled water in the stores, saying, "You can take your tap water and you can put it in jugs right now. It is drinkable. Do it, store it, and be prepared for the storm."

For more preparation advice, check out the WOKV Hurricane Guide HERE, or visit jaxready.com.