closures

Nassau County and municipal offices will be closed tomorrow as the county braces for the heavy rains and gusty winds predicted as Tropical Storm Fay churns through Northeast Florida.

It was announced earlier today that Nassau County schools would be closed on Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Office will remain in operation and will be in charge of enforcing the county’s bridge closure policy if needed.

The policy calls for bridges to close temporarily when there are sustained winds of 45 mph or greater.

The felony court at the Nassau County Judicial Annex will be in regular session.

Yulee High School, 85373 Miner Road will open at 7 p.m. tonight as a general and special needs shelter.

Pets in crates will be allowed and owners must bring food and water bowls, animal food and medications. Owners should be able to care for their own pets but assistance will be available.

Residents in low-lying and flood prone areas are encouraged to take shelter at the school.

Nassau County Sheriff Tommy Seagraves said this afternoon that predictions were for to 8 to 12 inches of rain here over the next 24 hours.

“Flooding is the concern at this point,” Seagraves said.

That includes along the already high St. Marys River, he said.

The hurricane watch issued last night for Nassau was lifted earlier, but tropical storm and flood warnings remain in effect.

Storm tides could be 1 to 3 feet above normal tide levels and erosion is likely, according to a National Weather Service alert at 6 p.m.

Winds are expected to increase to 35 to 45 mph with higher gusts through early Thursday.

The Nassau County emergency phone line — 548-4980 or (800) 958-3494 — will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Those with special needs or who need transportation assistance should call for help.

— Amelia A. Hart