12:25 p.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - According to the National Weather Service Tropical Storm Fay has made an easterly shift. The current path predicts landfall in southwest Florida, possibly the Marco Island area. Alachua County is under a Tropical Storm Watch and a Flood Watch.
Heavy rains could impact our area as early as Tuesday afternoon. Rainfall could be as heavy as 4 to 6 inches. Tropical storm force winds could impact our area Tuesday evening.
Depending on the storm track, announcements will be forthcoming on shelter openings, special medical needs shelters, pet accommodations, sand bag locations and other items of interest. Citizens should be prepared to evacuate to shelters quickly, should it become necessary. They should have a bag packed with the essentials, including medicines, clothing, toiletries, blankets, etc.
The Alachua County School Board has announced that public schools will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19, 2008.
The Alachua County 311 information line continues to be active. Call 311 for the most current information concerning Tropical Storm Fay.
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