Flooding Spurs Emergency Declaration in Northeast Florida

A local state of emergency has been declared in parts of northeast Florida after flooding in downtown St. Augustine and other coastal areas due to high tides, strong winds and big surf.

St. Johns County issued the emergency proclamation Monday night after a report from engineers and state officials that found an immediate threat of property damage to habitable structures and severe coastal erosion.

The emergency proclamation gives the county power to issue temporary armoring permits, which allow homeowners to build protective structures such as rock walls for property in immediate danger.

The strong winds and big surf were expected to last through Wednesday.