Tropical Storm Elsa is currently located just south of Cuba. Alachua County is now in the 3-day cone, but there remains some uncertainty surrounding Elsa’s forecasted track and intensity. Alachua County should expect a lot of rain throughout the week, and more information on anticipated local impacts will become clearer once Elsa passes through Cuba. Based on the current forecast, Alachua County is likely to experience some tropical storm force winds Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, which will be similar to or slightly stronger than the severe thunderstorms the County often sees. The area has received a lot of rain these last two weeks, so there is a greater potential for downed trees due to oversaturated grounds.
In preparation for possible heavy rainfall due to Tropical Storm Elsa, and in light of how saturated the ground is currently, Alachua County will have sandbags available for residents on Monday, July 5, from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, July 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Wayside Park (11855 N.W. US 441, Gainesville). There is a limit of 10 bags per person.
Residents wishing to pick up sandbags can access the pick-up site via CR 237 and Eastbound N.W. 126th Ave. To control traffic and expedite the pick-up process, please follow the directions below to access the pick-up site. Access to the site via westbound N.W. 120th Lane and northbound NW 59th Terrace will not be permitted.
From Northbound US 441 (From Gainesville)
Turn Right onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto N.W. 126th Ave
Turn Right onto N.W. 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Sunoco Convenient Store)
From Southbound US 441 (From Alachua)
Turn Left onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto N.W. 126th Ave
Turn Right onto N.W. 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Sunoco Convenient Store)
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or
msexton@alachuacounty.us.