Traffic ONTO Amelia Island will be prevented effective at 6:00 PM today

October 6, 2016 4:00 p.m.

Editor's Note: Dale Martin responded to a request from the Fernandina Observer regarding the Shave Bridge.  In addition to bridge information, he provided insight into the inner workings of the Nassau County Emergency Management Center (EMC). We are passing this information along to our readers. We thank Dale for taking time to respond to our questions.

Our information  comes primarily from state briefings, which are scheduled at regular times during emergency operations (8:00 AM, 5:00 PM). Information in the interim can be obtained from the National Hurricane Center and Nassau County Emergency Management web sites. At the EOC, most of the efforts now are focused upon preparing for recovery after the storm: requesting personnel, equipment, and materials (it usually takes time for such logistics to be mobilized and given the expected widespread coastal impacts, the mobilization will take even longer).

The bridge closing is predicated upon the wind speed- NO ONE can provide a specific time when the sustained winds speeds will necessitate closure. Outside of the wind factor, the only bridge-related news is that traffic ONTO the Island will be prevented effective at 6:00 PM today. When such traffic will be restored will be determined by the aftereffects of the storm- and that will likely not be as early as people are expecting. That is why the evacuation is critical- the Island may be isolated for longer than people think.

Preparing and waiting for the storm can be long and uneventful. Please reassure your readers that great efforts by City, County, and State personnel are underway to best protect life and preserve property.

I expect to be stationed at the EOC for most of the next few days.