Water rescues underway amid historic flooding in Jacksonville, mayor asks residents who need help to hang anything white outside home

Jacksonville, FL — As Jacksonville sees historic flood levels from Irma, along the banks of the St. Johns River, surpassing levels last seen in 1864, Mayor Lenny Curry says water rescues are underway.

If you need assistance getting out of your home and to safety, Curry says you can call (904) 630-CITY. If you have an emergency situation, he asks that you still call 911.

"If you need to get out, please put what represents a white flag, anything white, somewhere on your house that can be viewed visibly from outside. We have search and rescue teams ready to deploy. We have state assets coming in. I spoke to the governor this morning, fish and wildlife are sending in people," says Curry.

Curry says the white flag can be anything from a blanket to a towel.

He also recommends going up if you can, to a second story or the most elevated part of your home.

It’s not just water rescues, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has buses headed to the Hilltop Apartments to evacuate residents.  The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the complex has seen flooding up to waist level.