Tropical Storm Helene – Final update – 09/27/24

University of Florida officials are monitoring the effects of Tropical Storm Helene. Here is what we know today:

The center of Helene crossed over the Big Bend of Florida region and was located in east central Georgia, as of the 5 a.m. advisory by the National Hurricane Center.

While most warnings have been discontinued along the west coast of Florida, Alachua County, which includes Gainesville, remains under a Tropical Storm Warning. However, the Tornado Watch for Alachua County has ended.

Alachua County Emergency Management reported “widespread power outages” throughout the county and “hazardous conditions,” as of a 4 a.m. update.

Staff members from UF Facilities Services have been working to address several trees that fell around the UF Gainesville campus overnight. Students who sheltered on campus through the storm are discouraged from attempting to survey the tree damage. Additionally, traveling by vehicle should be avoided, as there are reported hazards on Alachua County roads, such as fallen trees or branches.

Classes are canceled on Friday, Sept. 27, and UF offices in Gainesville will remain closed until 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. All UF units outside of Alachua County should continue follow the guidance and closures of their local governments.

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.

All students who have been affected by the storm are encouraged to immediately contact their instructors to discuss whether special accommodations can be made.

UF will suspend regular updates regarding weather conditions after this message unless conditions warrant. Visit the campus services and events updates page for additional operational updates.

For additional information, please visit National Hurricane Center.

Additional key links:
Commonly asked questions for UF students
Campus services and events updates
Alachua County Helene updates
UF/IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery

This update was posted at 7 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.