(This story has been updated to add additional information.)
Alachua County Emergency Management Director Jen Grice on Wednesday morning posted a Facebook Live video with local updates on Hurricane Helene.
Grice, speaking from the county’s Emergency Operations Center just before 8 a.m., emphasized the need to stay vigilant despite Helene’s projected path taking it further away from the county.
“I know maybe some folks are happy with the slight shift to the west, and certainly that means that the strongest winds … are not as close to Alachua County, but this is a giant storm. It is going to impact a very large area, so we need to make sure that we are not complacent with this storm,” she said. “We have today to prepare. As far as timing we’re looking really into tomorrow morning, things deteriorating, so really take today to do the things you need for this storm.”
In an email from Alachua County, residents are cautioned to expect between 3 to 6 inches rain, which could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. It notes that the west part of the county can expect sustained winds of 58 to 73 mph, and the east part of the county can expect winds of 39 to 57 mph with gusts up to 73 mph.
As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Helene had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and was moving northwest at 10 mph., according to the National Hurricane Center.
State coverage: Helene close to hurricane strength. Winds could hit 120 mph before Florida landfall
Where can I get sandbags in Gainesville and Alachua County?
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Alachua County Wayside Park, 11855 NW U.S. 441, Gainesville. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. After staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service. Limit 10 bags per person.
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Gainesville Public Works Administration, 405 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Limit 10 pre-made bags per person.
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Citizens Field, 1000 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Full self-serve. Must bring own bags and shovel.
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Newberry Public Works, 120 NW 260th St., Newberry. Open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Sand and bags are available to the public on a first come, first served basis. Bring your own shovel.
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Hawthorne Wastewater Treatment Plant, 23016, SE 65th Lane, Hawthorne. Bring your own shovel.
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City of Archer Public Works, 17156 SW Archer Road, Archer. Open. Self-serve.
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Memorial Park, 17380 NW US Highway 441, High Springs. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m .Wednesday. Limited assistance available. Self-serve. Bring your own shovel.
Are any storm shelters opening in Gainesville and Alachua County?
The following information has been provided by Alachua County.
Special-needs shelter
The Special-needs shelter opens at noon Wednesday and provides one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items, spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.
General population/pet-friendly shelters
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The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville
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The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items, spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Residents with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc.”
Are schools closing in Gainesville and Alachua County because of Helene?
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Alachua County Public Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday due to Hurricane Helene. This includes all extra-curricular activities.
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The University of Florida offices will close and classes will be canceled beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, and will reopen and resume normal operations at 7 a.m. Friday.
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Santa Fe College will be closed Thursday and Friday due to expected impacts from Hurricane Helene.
Alachua County government offices
All Alachua County offices will close Wednesday at noon. The Levada Brown Transfer Station will remain open Wednesday for regular hours. All county offices will be closed on Thursday.
City of Gainesville services
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All residential trash and recycling pickup for Thursday will be delayed with expected pickup on Friday. Please do not place containers, branches or other items curbside on Thursday.
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All parks, pools and recreation centers are closed until the storm passes.
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City offices will be closed on Thursday
Regional Transit System (RTS) may be impacted by Helene
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Hurricane Helene updates for residents in Alachua County Florida
