All of Alachua County is now under a hurricane warning

Staff report

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – All of Alachua County is now under a Hurricane Warning.

Hurricane Idalia is forecast to rapidly strengthen to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane before making landfall Wednesday morning. It is expected to maintain hurricane intensity as it moves inland, and tornadoes are also possible. Sustained tropical storm-force winds are possible on Wednesday in this area, and hurricane-force gusts are also possible.

Alachua County has an Evacuation Order in effect for anyone living in mobile or manufactured homes or in flood-prone areas. Anyone who experienced flooding during previous storms should evacuate.

Residents are advised to complete their preparations by sunset tonight.