Media Release

3:41 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The storm center is currently to the west-northwest of Alachua County in the Perry, FL area.  It is anticipated that tropical storm warnings will be lifted by approximately 5 p.m.  There is still a likelihood of heavy rains and wind gusts possible through the weekend.  Alachua County will continue to be under a wind advisory with gusts of 30 -50 mph possible.  We also continue to be under a flood watch and there has been at least one report of flooding in the County.

Currently, approximately 3600 households in Alachua County are without power, but utility companies are working diligently to restore electricity to these residents.  

The Gainesville National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio transmitter WXJ-60 on a frequency of 162.475 mhz is off air and experiencing technical difficulties. Here is a list of alternative transmitters covering the Gainesville listening area:

162.55 mhz in Jacksonville
162.425 mhz in Palatka
162.525 mhz in Ocala
162.40 mhz in Lake city
162.55 mhz in Morriston
162.40 mhz in Inverness

Alachua County emergency shelters will remain open until Saturday morning.  Click here for an interactive map showing open shelters. Shelter locations are as follows:

Rawlings Elementary School - General Population Shelter

3500 NE 15th St. Gainesville, FL 32906

Westwood Middle School - Special Medical Needs Shelter

3215 NW 15th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32605

Alachua County's 311 information line remains open for rumor control and up-to-date information on Tropical Storm Fay.

-30-