Tropical Storm Helene – UPDATE #4 – 9/24/2024
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which has sustained winds of 50 mph currently, according to the 5 p.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 continue to intensify as 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 Thursday afternoon through overnight, tropical storm winds will begin and increase to hurricane strength at landfall.
Most parts of the Gulf Coast are under a Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Watch, or Storm Surge Watch, including the Big Bend coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Hurricane Watch is in effect for western Alachua and a Flood Watch is in effect from Wednesday evening through Friday morning for several counties in North Central Florida, including all of Alachua County.
For the UF campus in Gainesville, tropical storm conditions are possible on Thursday afternoon through the overnight, depending on the storm’s exact track, with a forecast of 3 to 5 inches of rainfall expected.
As of today, no operational changes have been announced for the UF campus in Gainesville. UF officials will announce a decision by noon on Wednesday about Thursday’s campus operations and class schedules.
UF units in the eastern Panhandle, Big Bend, and North Florida as well as anywhere in the state within a watch or warning area should be planning to finalize preparations by Wednesday night. Units outside of Alachua County should follow the guidance and closures of their local governments.
Students, faculty, and staff should monitor ongoing forecasts, review personal plans, and use Wednesday to prepare, including reviewing their emergency kit. Additional preparedness information is available at: https://emergency.ufl.edu/get-ready.
Additional information:
https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/helene
Here’s how to prepare for hurricane season
Pre-storm preparation for students in UF housing
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery
This message was posted at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
