Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The previous Tropical Depression #9 is now officially Tropical Storm Hermine. Movement of the storm is nearly stationary with a north-northeastward motion expected to begin this afternoon, August 31, 2016. Alachua County is now under a Tropical Storm Watch.

Sustained 30 to 40 mph winds with 40 to 60 mph gusts are expected in the area overnight Thursday to Friday morning. There is also the potential for tornados in the southeast quadrant of the storm (this area).

Waves of showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected through Friday. A more persistent widespread rainfall with embedded squalls will be possible Thursday and Friday as the storm moves slowly across the northeast Gulf of Mexico. At that time, widespread rainfall amounts could from 4-8 inches across portions of N.E. Florida & 2-5 inches across inland S.E. Georgia. Locally higher amounts of 6 to 10 inches across N.E. Florida and areas south of U.S. Highway 82 in S.E. Georgia are possible.

No decisions regarding public school closings have been made.

View the National Weather Service in Jacksonville’s latest briefing package for Tropical Depression Number Nine. 

Alachua County Public Works Department has set up a sandbag location at the roadside park, located at 11855 NW US HWY 441, Gainesville. The roadside park is located on the east side of US 441, five miles north of the Highway Patrol Station.

View the location on google maps.

Sandbags are available for residents of Alachua County, with a limit to 10 bags per resident. Bags and sand will be provided. Residents should bring a shovel, as they will be responsible for filling the bags. Bags will be available between 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

View information on the proper placement of sandbags.

Alachua County encourages everyone to have a basic disaster supply kit, and to check the kit for readiness.

View a checklist of items that should be included in this kit.

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.