Media Release

10:25 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Public Works Department will continue to provide sand bags to allow County residents to prepare for the probable flooding of the Santa Fe River later today, which is predicted to last through Sunday. Sandbags are available at the following locations:

• High Springs - 17380 NW US Highway 441 at Memorial Park
• North of Gainesville - at the wayside park in front of the Public Works compound in Hague on US 441

Residents are reminded that sand bags are provided but residents have to fill the bags manually.  Residents are advised to bring shovels as they are not provided at the sites.  These sand bag sites are for use by Alachua County residential customers only and are not for use by commercial customers.  The Public Works Department thanks all of our residents in advance for their cooperation.

The National Weather Service, Jacksonville reports that Santa Fe River water levels are rising very rapidly and impacts could be seen similar to Tropical Storm Frances in 2004.  The river is expected to rise above the flood stage of 24 feet by early afternoon today (Tuesday, August 26) and rise to 25.7 feet by Saturday Morning.  Additional rises are possible thereafter.

Click on the link below to view the Advanced Hydrological Prediction Service page (hit "refresh" to make sure the information is up-to-date).

http://ahps.srh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=jax&gage=fwhf1&view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1

Possible impacts from flooding:

• Major damage and disruption to the community is expected.  Roads will be cut off and many homes will be surrounded by water. Boat wash damage to homes will be severe.
• Damage is likely to homes at low elevation, as well as basement areas underneath homes on stilts.
• Minor damage to dwellings is possible due to boat wash.

For more information contact David A. Donnelly, FPEM, CPM, Emergency Management Chief Alachua County Public Safety at 352-264-6500.

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