Tropical Storm Idalia – 8/29/23 – Update #8
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Idalia. While much remains unknown about the storm’s exact path, here is what we know:
While forecasters from the National Hurricane Center shifted Hurricane Idalia’s probable path slightly west in the 5 p.m. advisory, a Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Alachua County, which includes Gainesville. Moreover, they stressed additional shifts to the track will be possible until the center reaches land.
Idalia is expected to strengthen overnight and make landfall somewhere along North Florida’s Gulf Coast as a “devastating major hurricane.” As of the 5 p.m. advisory, hurricane-force winds extended from the storm’s center outward up to 25 miles and tropical-storm-force winds outward up to 160 miles.
Also, a Flood Watch is in effect for Alachua County. Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said 4 to 6 inches of rain can be expected in the area, with higher amounts locally. At 6 p.m., Alachua County issued a mandatory evacuation order for those who live in mobile or manufactured homes, substandard housing and areas prone to flooding.
While Alachua County is expected to experience tropical-storm-force winds, hurricane-force winds are still possible if the storm’s track shifts east. Conditions are expected to deteriorate in North Central Florida by Tuesday evening. They are expected to worsen overnight through Wednesday morning. Heavy rainfall will continue throughout Wednesday. Also, tornadoes will be possible Tuesday night and Wednesday.
UF’s campus closed on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at noon and will remain closed on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Classes are also canceled during that time. This extends to all academic and student-related activities, including online classes and exams. The university expects to communicate by late Wednesday afternoon regarding plans for resuming normal operations and class schedules.
Essential employees should check with their supervisors regarding scheduling. UF Health and UF/IFAS personnel, and others at locations throughout the state should follow their local government’s guidance and check with their supervisors for information regarding reopening of their work locations.
The Southwest Recreation Center opened as a shelter at 6 p.m. Tuesday for UF students, faculty and staff, and their families. UF affiliates must bring their Gator 1 card for identification.
Regularly check https://www.ufl.edu/ for updates. Any operational changes will be made through official UF channels, including the UF Alert Emergency Notification System.
For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center.
Additional information:
UF campus closure, class cancellation
Commonly asked questions regarding UF campus closure
UF campus services and events updates
Here’s how to prepare for hurricane season
Pre-storm preparation for students in UF housing
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery
This story was posted at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29.
