FL

Storm restoration across Clay County

Clay County is an inland county but carries significant hurricane and storm surge risk due to the St. Johns River system and its tributaries - Black Creek, Doctors Lake, Governors Creek, and Doctors Inlet channel surge deep into the county during major storms. Hurricane Irma (2017) struck as a Category 1 at landfall but generated a record-breaking 150-year flood event, cresting Black Creek at 28.5 feet and requiring rescue of 173 people across low-lying riverside neighborhoods. Wind exposure is moderate to strong: Clay County recorded sustained winds of 42 mph with gusts to 70 mph during Irma, enough to cause widespread roof damage and downed trees. The county operates a five-zone (A--E) hurricane evacuation system updated in 2022 using revised SLOSH model data; Zone A covers properties along the St. Johns River and both prongs of Black Creek, and all mobile and manufactured homes county-wide are automatically placed in Zone A regardless of location.