Monday 10:45 a.m. Idalia Update- Sandbags, 311 Activation, and County Closure

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County urges citizens to stay vigilant and prepared as we expect hurricane-force winds and heavy rain impacts to Alachua County, starting with tropical-storm-force winds as early as Tuesday evening. There is a chance for tornadoes.

For perspective, this is expected to be a much stronger storm than Tropical Storm Irma.

The Emergency Operation Center is at a Level 2 activation. It will go to level 1 at 7 a.m. Tuesday. 

Preparations are being made to open emergency shelters. More information on shelters will be forthcoming. 

Alachua County will distribute sandbag bags (10 per car) at Wayside Park (11855 NW US 441) beginning at 10 a.m. today and ending at 5 p.m. At closing, sandbags, sand, and shovels will be available for self-serve. The location will be opened and staffed again from 8 a.m. until noon on Tuesday. Call your local city government for their sandbag locations. 

Alachua County Offices will be closed beginning Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Wednesday. The decision to reopen will be based on the storm’s impacts.

The 311 Emergency Information line is now activated. Call for the latest information and rumor control.

The Alachua County Ready website is live and is a good source for the latest storm information.

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