Hurricane Helene – UPDATE #7 – 9/25/2024
University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Hurricane Helene, which is a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph, 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:
Hurricane Helene is organizing and starting its track into the southeast Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to strengthen, becoming a Category 4 hurricane within 24 hours, and retaining that status before landfall in Apalachee Bay/Big Bend on Thursday evening, forecasters said. The storm’s wind field is expected to grow to a very large size, with tropical storm-force winds expected to extend outward up to 175 miles from its center. Helene is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, and flooding rains to large sections of Florida.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for portions of Alachua County, including Gainesville, as of the advisory. Additionally, portions of Alachua County west of Interstate 75 are under a Hurricane Warning.
All counties within the state, except western Panhandle counties, are under either a Hurricane Warning or Tropical Storm Warning. Hurricane-force winds are not forecasted for Gainesville. However, tropical storm winds are possible, especially in frequent gusts.
The National Weather Service in Jacksonville is forecasting wind speeds in the Gainesville area of 25 to 35 mph, and gusts of up to 65 mph. A Flood Watch is also in effect, with expected rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches and the potential for localized flooding.
Units outside of Alachua County should follow the guidance and closures of their local governments.
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 have finalized their preparations.
Students, faculty, and staff should monitor ongoing forecasts, and finalize personal plans, including reviewing their emergency kit. Additional preparedness information is available at: https://emergency.ufl.edu/get-ready.
Regularly check the UF homepage for updates. Any announcements regarding 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 key links:
Commonly asked questions for UF students
Alachua County Helene updates
Here’s how to prepare for hurricane season
Pre-storm preparation for students in UF housing
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery
This update was posted at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
