Corps prepares for Irma; activates EOC

Published Sept. 2, 2017

As Hurricane Irma makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has activated its emergency operations center and is ready to deploy teams should it become necessary.

The Jacksonville District activated its emergency operations center (EOC) at 7 a.m. yesterday (Sept. 1).  This action allows district staff to devote added attention to the response actions that might be necessary should Irma cause impacts should it pass through the Antilles or threaten Florida.

“Our staff is closely monitoring the storm,” said Rick McMillen, Multi-Projects Branch Chief in Jacksonville District’s Operations Division.  “We have been in contact with the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.  Should the need arise, we have people ready to deploy in advance of an incoming storm.”

At 11am, the center of Irma was located more than 1,200 miles east of the Leeward Islands.  The National Hurricane Center estimates it will be the middle of next week before potential impacts would be felt in the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico.  However, in preparation, Jacksonville District employees will staff the EOC as necessary throughout the weekend.

More information on Jacksonville District response actions can be found at www.saj.usace.army.mil.

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Contact
John Campbell
904-232-1004
john.h.campbell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-040