Idalia is now a Category 1 Hurricane. It is expected to be a Category 3 Hurricane when it makes landfall.
As of the current update, rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected. For Alachua County, the earliest expected onset of Tropical storm winds is 2 a.m. and most likely 5 a.m. Western Alachua County is under a Hurricane Warning, while east of the I75 corridor is under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Please consider evacuation if you don’t feel safe or know your home is unsafe, please consider evacuation. Shelters will be opened at 10 a.m., and locations will be announced at that time.
Alachua County will open two general population, pet-friendly shelters and a special medical needs shelter.
Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.
Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Alachua County Animal Resources is closed today and tomorrow as they are focused on staffing pet-friendly shelters. The public will be informed when it reopens.
Citizens with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc.
Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved citizens and pets.
You can find all the latest information for Alachua County at
alachuacountyready.com. If you don’t have internet access or need additional information, dial 311 from your phone. If you live outside Alachua County or cannot dial 311, call 352-264-6557.
To receive all updates on County operations in response to Idalia, please text ALACHUA to 888-777.
For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or
msexton@alachuacounty.us.
