The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory Monday, Sept. 14, for the St. Johns River, warning of minor flooding from sustained northeast winds.

A backdoor cold front is driving the wind event, which began Tuesday, Sept. 15, and could keep tidal flooding risks elevated through Friday, according to News4Jax meteorologist Richard Nunn. Waterfront areas along the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway are most exposed. Orange Park and Fleming Island sit along the river, putting low-lying properties at risk from rising water levels.

"The strengthening northeast flow could bring tidal flooding along the river, intracoastal, and the beaches," Nunn wrote Monday.

Inland areas, including Orange Park and Fleming Island, are forecast to see winds of 10 to 15 mph. Beaches face stronger conditions at 20 to 25 mph with higher gusts.

The NWS Jacksonville office also posted a Small Craft Advisory and a high rip current risk. The Small Craft Advisory runs from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, covering coastal waters from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to Fernandina Beach. The NWS cited northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots and seas of 5 to 8 feet.

The high rip current risk is in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through late Thursday night for Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida beaches.

Rain chances Tuesday are 40 to 60 percent for Northeast Florida, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms possible. Wednesday is forecast to be drier before rain chances climb again Thursday and Friday.

What residents should do

The Clay County All Hazards Preparedness Guide advises residents to move to high ground immediately if a flood watch is in effect and to plan two evacuation routes. The guide's message on flooded roads is simple. Do not drive through them.

The guide also notes that standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. Even residents outside high-risk flood zones are encouraged to carry flood insurance.

Clay County residents can sign up for localized emergency alerts, including flood warnings, through the county's Alert Clay County system.