PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office ordered a curfew for all residents starting Thursday night and will remain in effect until further notice due to widespread power outages and flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.
According to the sheriff’s office, the curfew begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. each morning until the order is lifted.
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People exempt from the curfew include:
- Law enforcement personnel
- Federal, state and local firefighting, emergency response and emergency management personnel
- County employees working the emergency
- National Guard personnel
- Water and wastewater utility personnel
- Communications utility personnel
- Individuals with medical emergencies
- People traveling to their place of employment to report for work and return to their home after work is completed
Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean Thursday after plowing across Florida, where it knocked out power to more than 3 million customers and whipped up 150 tornado warnings. The storm caused at least eight deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.
On Wednesday morning, drivers in Palatka got an early taste of Hurricane Milton when Crill Avenue was closed because it was underwater.
According to The Weather Authority, Hurricane Milton dumped 6 inches of rain near Lake George and nearly 5 inches in Palatka.
MORE | Putnam County already seeing minor flooding ahead of Hurricane Milton
A Tropical Storm Warning will remain in effect for Putnam County until further notice.
Deputies said they will assess each day when the curfew can be lifted.
Your option for an emergency is still 911, but for things like flooding, fallen trees, or other problems with the storm, residents are urged to call Putnam County Emergency Management at 386-329-1904.