Emergency officials urge people to prepare for possible severe storms

Numerous thunderstorms expected overnight across southeast Georgia

Emergency officials jumped into action Wednesday, urging people to prepare due to the potential for severe weather overnight across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida.

Emergency operations centers in multiple counties were bracing for possible storms as they continued to monitor conditions with the National Weather Service. 

Officials said the biggest tips for residents in our area focus on preparations within the home. 

The first tip is all about communication -- make sure you have a way to receive breaking weather alerts, and make sure your cellphone is charged in the even the power goes out.

If you already have a weather radio, test it, make sure it's working with fresh batteries and tuned correctly for your county. 

And don't forget to pull out your flashlight and ensure it has fresh batteries.

You may also want to get a case of fresh water, just in case storms affect your water service.

Mobiles homes are not safe in extreme winds, and resident should consider moving to a hour or building when a watch is issued. Once a warning is in effect, you won't have time to leave.

In Ware County, Waycross Middle School, located at 700 Central Avenue, opened at 6 p.m. Wednesday as a care center for any individual needing safe shelter during the storm. 

RELATED: Ware County schools to open 2 hours late Thursday

If you do plan to leave your home, JEA recommends that you turn off your circuit break, especially because of your water heater, to prevent any electrocution hazards. 

JEA -- which serves Duval, Nassau, St. Johns and Clay counties -- told News4Jax that it has crews on standby, but it urged people to report power outages when they happen so crews can respond faster.

To report an outage, call JEA at 904-655-6000.