Alachua County Hurricane Idalia Update- Storm Forecast, Mandatory Evacuation Order, Sheltering, and Post Storm Safety

August 29, 2023 / 6 p.m.

 

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Hurricane Idalia continues to intensify rapidly. It is currently a Category 2 Hurricane. When it makes landfall, it is projected to be a Category 3 or Category 4 storm. Alachua County is under a Hurricane Warning and has a 96% chance for tropical storm-force winds and a 47% chance for hurricane-force winds. 

 

We want the public to know this is the strongest storm to approach us since the 1890s.  

As of the current update, rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected. For Alachua County, the earliest anticipated onset of tropical storm winds is sometime overnight.  

 

We now have a Mandatory Evacuation Order that applies to those living in mobile and manufactured homes, substandard housing, and areas prone to flooding. For the safety of you and your loved ones, it is time to evacuate. Go to a hotel, stay with friends or family, or go to a shelter. If you do not evacuate, understand that it may take some time before public safety can reach you as we will not send them out during the dangerous period of the Hurricane.  

 

Read local shelter information.

 

If you feel you have a life-threatening or dangerous situation, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 352-955.

 

It is important to be safe after the storm.   

 

Stay away from power lines. 

• Watch out for fallen power lines that may be hanging overhead. 
• Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them. 

 Stay out of floodwater. 

• Always follow warnings about flooded roads. 
• Don’t drive in flooded areas—cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water. 

 Report damage 

• Citizens with downed trees, leaking roofs, or structural damage need to call their insurance companies and make arrangements with service vendors to make needed repairs.  

 Never use wet electrical devices and generator safety 

• Turn off the power at the main breaker in your house if the device is still plugged in. Wait for an electrician to check the device before using it. 
• Always use Generators properly to avoid Carbon monoxide poisoning.  Never use them in the House or the garage.  

 Be careful near damaged buildings. 

• Do not enter a damaged building until local authorities determine it is safe. Hurricanes can damage buildings and make them unsafe. 
• Leave your home or building if you hear shifting or unusual noises. Strange noises could mean the building about to fall. 

 Drink safe water. Eat safe food.  

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or stormwater. When in doubt, throw it out.

 Learn more about staying safe after the storm.

 

You can find all the latest information for Alachua County by going to alachuacountyready.com, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Nextdoor.

 

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 Hurricane Idalia, please text ALACHUA to 888-777. 

 

You can check the latest forecast at weather.gov/jax. 

 

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