Tropical

Hurricane Matthew washes away parts of A1A in Flagler County

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Portions of State Road A1A in Flagler County were washed away early Friday by Hurricane Matthew, the county said.

The storm washed away chunks of the road south of the Flagler Beach Pier near the Topaz Motel, county spokeswoman Julie Murphy said.

Photos: Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew

Officials closed access to the county’s beachside areas Friday afternoon, Murphy said.

“This is not a curfew,” Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten said. “No one will be permitted to enter the barrier island. This will be enforced by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.”

Related story: Damage, streets heavily flooded in historic St. Augustine in Matthew's wake

Officials said emergency personnel will rescue those who didn’t evacuate the county’s coastal area.

“We don’t want anyone on the beachside who doesn’t need to be there,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “We need to be able to get an assist those people who are in the most need.”

Video: Major storm surge on Jacksonville Beach

A curfew will be imposed on the mainland portions of Flagler County at 7 p.m. Friday. %

INLINE

%

Residents are asked to remain indoors and to stay off the roads.

Related story: Ormond Beach horse owner takes measures to protect animals during storm

The county said crews have begun clearing fallen trees in the area. %

INLINE

%

“We are trying to get everything stabilized and safe as quickly as possible,” Coffey said.

Those who have questions may call the citizen information line 24/7 at 386-586-5111.