Tropical Storm Helene – UPDATE #3 – 9/24/2024
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which has strengthened from Tropical Cyclone Nine, according to the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
While much remains unknown about the storm’s exact path, here is what we know today:
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify while it moves northward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, becoming Hurricane Helene, and is forecast to be a Category 3 at landfall when it reaches the Florida coast on Thursday. The center is expected to make landfall in the Nature Coast or Big Bend area with the strongest winds near and to the right of the center. By late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, tropical storm winds will begin and increase to hurricane strength at landfall.
For most parts of the Gulf Coast are under a Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning or Storm Surge Watch.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for western Alachua, Hamilton, and Marion counties, and Gilchrist, southwestern Columbia, and Suwannee counties. And, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for central Marion and eastern Marion County. The NWS also has reported a flood watch is in effect from Wednesday evening through Friday morning for several counties in North Central Florida, including eastern Alachua and Hamilton counties, Central Marion, Gilchrist, Columbia and Suwannee counties. Flash flooding in these areas is predicted from excessive rainfall.
For the UF campus in Gainesville, tropical storm conditions are possible on Thursday, depending on the storm’s exact track, with a forecast of 2 to 6 inches of rainfall expected.
As of today, no operational changes have been announced for the UF campus in Gainesville. However, all UF units statewide – especially in the Panhandle, Big Bend, and North Florida – should closely monitor forecasts and follow guidance from local officials.
We will continue to monitor and update all on expected impacts or schedule changes as information becomes available.
Students, faculty, and staff should monitor ongoing forecasts, review personal plans and use the next few days to prepare, including reviewing their emergency kit. Additional preparedness information is available at: https://emergency.ufl.edu/get-ready.
Additional information:
Here’s how to prepare for hurricane season
Pre-storm preparation for students in UF housing
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery
