Tropical Storm Idalia – 8/30/23 – Update #9
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Idalia. Here is what we know today:
Hurricane Idalia intensified into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm, with life-threatening winds that will likely cause catastrophic damage once it makes landfall along the northern portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
As of the 5 a.m. advisory, the National Hurricane Center placed Hurricane Idalia 60 miles west of Cedar Key, which is about 60 miles southwest of Gainesville. Hurricane-force winds extend outward 25 miles from the storm’s center and tropical storm-force winds up to 175 miles.
A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for Alachua County, which includes Gainesville. A Tornado Watch is in effect for the area until 3 p.m.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville said there is a potential for winds that could range between 58 and 73 mph in the Gainesville area. Forecasters added the Gainesville area was experiencing winds between 20 and 30 mph with gusts of up to 55 mph around 5:30 a.m.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for Alachua County. On Tuesday, Alachua County issued a mandatory evacuation order for those who live in mobile or manufactured homes, substandard housing and areas prone to flooding.
UF’s campus closed on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at noon and will remain closed today. 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 plans for resuming normal operations and class schedules once a damage assessment is conducted on Wednesday.
Essential employees should check with their supervisors regarding scheduling. UF Health and UF/IFAS personnel, and others at locations throughout the state should continue to 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
Southwest Rec Center open for UF affiliates
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 6:35 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
