Published on August 29, 2023
Updated Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
Hurricane Idalia has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane and is forecast to make landfall at the Big Bend region overnight before driving inland as it crosses Florida.
All of Alachua County remains under a Hurricane Warning. The National Hurricane Center reports that Gainesville is likely to receive tropical storm and hurricane-force winds; 4-8 inches of rain; and flooding along waterways and low-lying areas. Tornadoes are possible, as well.
Alachua County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for people in mobile or manufactured homes, substandard housing, and those in flood-prone areas. If you need to get to a shelter, proceed with caution as conditions will continue to deteriorate tonight with high winds, low visibility, standing water, and the potential for downed trees and power lines.
Local shelters are operating in three locations. Alachua County has opened two general population, pet-friendly shelters.
General population, pet-friendly shelters:
Alachua County also has opened a special needs shelter for people who are medically stable, but require medical assistance.
Special needs shelter:
- Gainesville/Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville. Information: 352-955-2575
If you are going to a shelter, you should bring three days’ worth of your own food and water, snacks, special dietary needs, clothing and medications. If you are bringing your pet with you, remember to pack those supplies, as well.
While we are experiencing storm conditions it will not be safe to go outside or be on the roads. The National Weather Service recommends sheltering in place.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level during the storm.
- Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- Plan to remain inside after the storm passes as responders venture out to assess damage and ensure conditions are safe.
Take precautions after the storm has passed. Damage to your home or yard can be extensive.
- Avoid downed wires and standing water.
- Call GRU to report hazards such as broken gas or water mains, or downed power lines.
- After an extended power outage, clean out the refrigerator and throw away any perishable food.
- Photograph and take notes of all home damages and make any necessary temporary repairs.
If you lose power and plan to use an emergency generator, remember that extreme caution is required.
- Generators produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- Operate your generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation.
- Never run a generator inside a home or garage.
Report urgent issues: To report flooding, blocked streets, or other issues that require prompt attention, please call 352-334-5070 or use the myGNV mobile or online application at myGNV.org.
Check status: View the status of storm-related Public Works service requests or work orders on the Service Request Viewer at requestviewer.gnvgis.org.
Flood Reporter: Submit photos of flooding in your neighborhood to the Flood Reporter application at floodreporter.gnvgis.org.
Report Emergencies: Report emergencies by calling 911.
Closures of City Facilities and Services: Wednesday, August 30
- Don’t put your trash or yard waste out on Wednesday. There will be no residential waste pickup.
- There will be no Regional Transit System (RTS) bus service on Wednesday.
- City offices, facilities and parks will remain closed on Wednesday.
Additional resources:
- Sign up for email, phone and text notifications at www.alertgnv.org.
- Visit GRU.com/StormCentral for a list of important phone numbers in the event of service emergencies, as well as a link to the Gainesville Regional Utilities outage map with estimated time of restoration.
- Visit www.safeGNV.org for additional planning tips and all emergency management updates.
- Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information line for questions and rumor control. Neighbors can dial 311 on cell phone or 352-264-6557 from cell or landline.