ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Although no mandatory evacuation is in place, a second general population shelter will open at Eastside High School 1201 SE 43rd St, Gainesville at 4 p.m. today, September 1, 2016. This is in addition to the general population shelter at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex (24880 N.W. 16th Ave, Newberry), and the special needs shelter at the Alachua County Senior Center (5701 N.W. 34th Blvd, Gainesville) which opened at 2 p.m.
Santa Fe College has announced that the college and all of its centers will close at 4 p.m. today, and will remain closed tomorrow. They are anticipating that the college will reopen on Tuesday, September 6.
The storm has sustained winds of 70 mph. There is currently the potential for winds speeds between 38-73 mph. Based on the latest forecast, the most likely time period of potential tropical storm force winds for our area is between 11 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m. tomorrow. Isolated tornadoes are likely, particularly near and south of the system’s track on Friday. Further strengthening forecast during next 18 hours, and the storm is now forecast to become a hurricane prior to landfall.
Localized flooding from pockets of heavy rainfall is possible. Normally flood prone areas could flood during heavy rain.
The 311 Rumor Control phone number is now active. Please use it to verify the most up to the minute information on Tropical Storm Hermine. For life threatening emergencies call 911. For emergencies that are not life threatening call 352-955-1818.
View the National Weather Service in Jacksonville’s latest briefing package for Tropical Storm Hermine.
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about major storm conditions by following Alachua County on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribing to the County’s press releases.
For more information about sandbags, contact the Alachua County Public Works Department at 352-374-5245.