ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Governor Rick Scott will hold a press conference to address Tropical Depression #9 at the Alachua County Emergency Operation Center (1100 S.E. 27th Street, Gainesville) at 1:30 p.m. today, August 31, 2016. The press is invited to attend.
As of 8:30 a.m., the forecasted track has shifted to the north and west from earlier tracks. The storm is still expected to become a tropical storm, and possibly a strong tropical storm, later today. Alachua County is now under a Tropical Storm Watch. There has been an increase in the intensity forecast, with a 40-50% chance of tropical storm force winds in this area.
Rainfall amounts could be from 4-6 inches across portions of NE Florida. Locally higher amounts of 6 to 10 inches across NE Florida are possible. Alachua County is under a moderate wind threat, with potential for winds of 58-73 mph. There is also the potential for tornados in the southeast quadrant of the storm (this area).
No decisions regarding public school closings have been made.
The coastal areas from Anclote Island [Pasco County] to Indian Pass [Franklin County] will be under a hurricane watch.
View the National Weather Service in Jacksonville’s latest briefing package for Tropical Depression Number Nine.