Following a nor'easter that caused significant flooding and led to road closures in St. Augustine, all roads have finally reopened. The St. Augustine Police Department confirmed the reopenings, though they caution that driving access to county beaches is still off-limits due to the storm's impact. High tides were projected at nearly three feet above dry ground, prompting warnings from several agencies about potential coastal flooding, as detailed in a report by News4Jax. Streets including King Street and Bridge Street, previously swamped, are clear now, although storm drains remain full and manhole covers were dislodged by the surging waters.
Residents have expressed frustration not just with the flooding but with how drivers have been handling the flooded streets. Lucia Fernandez, whose home was inundated with water, blames the cars that sped through her flooded street, exacerbating the problem and leading to further water encroachment. "I was with my umbrella, had my hand out and said, 'stop! Could you please stop!'" Fernandez told Action News Jax. She recounts the harrowing experience she suffered, which was only intensified by the wake from careless drivers.
Amidst concerns, a new "No Wake" law has been introduced in Florida. The legislation, effective since July, empowers law enforcement to issue tickets to drivers who create excessive wakes on flooded streets. Susan Meyerson, a resident of Cordova Street, where flooding is a common issue, praised the law. "Beautiful," Meyerson described her feelings towards the law in a conversation with First Coast News. She detailed how quickly the flooding comes and goes but emphasized the disturbance caused by speeding vehicles and their subsequent wakes.
Describing the challenge of enforcement, Meyerson expressed skepticism, "It's fantastic, but I don't know how you enforce that," she said, signaling her concern over the practicality of the No Wake law, as reported by First Coast News. Residents, including Nancy Guarnieri, also voiced their unease over the waves created by cars, stressing how they threaten the sanctity of their homes and properties. Mitch Keady, another impacted local, spoke of the physical toll flooding takes, echoed by the deluge pushing landscaping stones into piles near residences. Despite obstacles, Meyerson remains vigilant during high tides, attempting to persuade drivers to turn around, thereby preventing further property damage from potential stalling cars.
