Hurricane Helene Expected to Make Thursday Landfall as Communities Prep for Potential Category 3 Storm

ALACHUA ‒ As Florida braces for the potential impact of Hurricane Helene, state and local officials are ramping up preparations. The storm, currently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall by Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, potentially as a Category 3 hurricane.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, expanding the initial declaration as the storm's threat increases. Evacuations are underway in several coastal areas, especially in regions vulnerable to storm surge like the Big Bend.

Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida, including the Florida Panhandle and portions of Florida’s west coast. The National Hurricane Center forecasts this system will strengthen while moving northward over the Gulf of Mexico.

Residents are being urged to finalize preparations, including gathering emergency supplies. Sandbags are being distributed in flood-prone areas, and local authorities are preparing for potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and strong winds. Storm surge is expected to reach up to 9 feet in some areas, and rainfall could total 8 inches in parts of North Florida.  

On Tuesday Alachua County issued a local State of Emergency in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene, which was upgraded from a potential tropical cyclone. The order was passed at Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. Alachua County has also activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If there is an actual emergency, call 911. Alachua County officials are urging residents not to underestimate the potential impact of this storm. Residents are urged to make sure they have hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.

Sandbag Locations

Alachua County staff will distribute 10 sandbags per vehicle at designated locations. Sandbags are available at Alachua County’s Wayside Park, 11855 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, Alachua. Distribution began on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and was scheduled to continue until Wednesday at 9 a.m., weather permitting, until 3 p.m. The County says that after staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service.

In the City of High Springs, an unmanned sandbag site has been opened at Memorial Park, 17380 N.W. U.S. Highway 441. Bags and sand are limited although additional truckloads of sand are being delivered. Anyone wishing to obtain sand from this site must bring their own shovel and be prepared to load their own bags.

For residents of the City of Gainesville, pre-made sandbags were being provided at the Public Works Center, 405 N.W. 39^th Ave., Gainesville. Distribution began Tuesday, Sept. 24 and was scheduled to continue Wednesday at 8 a.m. A limit of 10 filled sandbags per vehicle can be picked up at this location. To ease traffic flow, arrive at this location via northbound Northwest 6^th Street and then turn east (right) onto Northwest 39^th Ave.

Self-Serve sandbags were available on the same schedule at Citizens Field, 1000 N.E. Waldo Rd., Gainesville. Persons wishing to obtain sandbags from Citizens Field should be prepared to bring a shovel or trowel to fill sandbags. Assistance is available for those in need. To ease traffic flow, access the site from Northeast 12^th Ave. via Waldo Road, or travel south on Northeast 15^th Street via Northeast 16^th Ave.

The City of Hawthorne has sand and bags available at the City of Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant, 23016 S.E. 65^th Lane. Residents are informed to be prepared to fill their own bags.

The City of Newberry has sand and bags available at the public works compound at 120 N.W. 260^th Street and residents are advised to bring their own shovels.

Early Prescription Refills

Additionally, the Florida Department of Health is working with emergency managers statewide to prepare for any impacts to communities and reminds Floridians to have enough of their prescriptions on hand in the event pharmacies are temporarily unavailable. Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

State Emergency Response

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to a Level 1 on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. FDEM is hosting twice-daily calls with all 67 counties to identify needs and to ensure the state is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, FDEM is coordinating with state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector partners to facilitate ongoing resource requests for counties, including requests for water, generators and support personnel.

Nearly 500 missions are being facilitated by the State Emergency Response Team to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like prestaging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has prepared the following:

• 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
• 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
• 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
• 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
• 12 UTV’s
• 15 Cut and toss crews
• 7 search and rescue teams
• 1 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions

Important actions to take include:

• Secure loose items around your home that could be carried by strong winds.
• Protect properties in flood-prone areas.
• Trim tree limbs around windows and clear debris.
• Move vehicles away from trees.
• Ensure all family members are familiar with your emergency plan.
• Prepare for possible extended power outages.
• Refill essential prescription medications.
• Create a plan for pets.
• Check-in on neighbors, particularly those with special needs.
• For the latest storm track and updates, Alachua County recommends visiting www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf

Local residents may sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County

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