Orange Park and Fleming Island drivers should brace for heavy traffic on US 17 as Naval Air Station Jacksonville hosts a free air show expected to draw 300,000 visitors Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18.

The show features the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Organizers warn it could take up to two hours for vehicles to exit the base after each day's performances, according to the air show's FAQ page. The base estimates roughly 75,000 vehicles will be entering and exiting each day.

NAS Jacksonville sits along Roosevelt Boulevard, just north of Orange Park. The base said it is working with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Orange Park Police Department and the Department of Transportation to manage congestion on US 17 and surrounding roads, according to the air show website.

For drivers coming from Clay County, the air show's directions page routes southbound traffic from I-295 North to Exit 10 toward NAS Jacksonville and US 17 North. Visitors entering from that direction must use the Yorktown Gate, not the Birmingham Gate. All other visitors enter through the Allegheny Gate.

Gates open at 9 a.m. both days. Performances start at 11 a.m. The Blue Angels close the show at 3 p.m. as the grand finale, weather permitting. The Thunderbirds are performing at NAS Jacksonville for the first time, News4Jax reported.

Admission and parking are free.

No tickets are required.

Anyone 18 or older must bring a physical government-issued Real ID to enter the base. Foreign nationals must present a passport, and legal permanent residents may show a green card, according to the air show FAQ.

The air show grounds have no shade. Organizers recommend sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and ear protection. Chairs and blankets are allowed. Coolers, outside food and drinks, and large sun umbrellas are not. Refillable water bottles are permitted, along with non-glass baby bottles and small snacks for infants. Cash is recommended because the Kids Zone and special seating areas are cash only.

All weapons are prohibited on base, including firearms, knives and pepper spray, regardless of permit.

Drivers should also note that parking in the nearby Target shopping center lot during the air show is not allowed. Vehicles parked there for any reason other than shopping will be towed at the owner's expense, according to the FAQ.

Personal drones are banned. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a temporary flight restriction extending five nautical miles from the base, in effect since Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18.