Tropical storm watch issued for Alachua County ahead of Hurricane Milton

Alachua County late Sunday issued a local state of emergency in preparation for Hurricane Milton.

The order follows that of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who on Sunday expanded a state of emergency to 54 counties, including Alachua, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy and Marion.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, Milton had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph and was moving east at 10 mph. The storm is about 650 miles from Florida.

More: Hurricane watch issued for portions of Florida. Milton strengthens into Category 3 hurricane

Alachua County under tropical storm watch

Alachua County is now under a tropical storm watch, meaning tropical storm force winds are possible within 48 hours.

Alachua County closures

Due to Hurricane Milton’s anticipated effects, all Alachua County government offices will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

City of Gainesville closures

All city offices, facilities, parks, pools and recreation centers will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Santa Fe College announces closure

A statement from Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II:

“To support the safety and wellbeing of our students and employees, Santa Fe College will be CLOSED Wednesday and Thursday, October 9-10, 2024. … The college’s Emergency Management Team will continue to meet during the storm and will make recommendations based on conditions as to when we will be able to reopen.”

Alachua County Public Schools to close

Alachua County Public Schools will close all schools and offices on Wednesday and Thursday due to the expected impacts on the area from Hurricane Milton. The district plans to reopen all schools on Friday.

Alachua County activates 311 information line

The county has activated its 311 Emergency Information Line for questions and rumor control. If 311 is not available in your area, call 352-264-6557. For true emergencies, dial 911.

University of Florida to close

The University of Florida announced Monday that it will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to expected impacts from Hurricane Milton. All academic and student-related activities, including online classes and exams, have been canceled. The university expects to reopen on Friday

Expect increase in traffic, limited fuel along I-75

Due to expected evacuations in Central and South Florida, plan for increased travel times on Interstate 75. Also, fuel supplies may be limited near interstate exits.

Alachua County to open shelters

Alachua County will be opening a general population/pet-friendly shelter and a special-needs shelter on Tuesday. Locations and times will be announced Tuesday morning.

Sandbag locations

• Alachua County Wayside Park, 11855 NW U.S. 441, Gainesville. Staffed until 5 p.m. Monday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. After staffed hours, sand, bags and shovels will be available for self-service. Limit 10 bags per person.

• Gainesville Public Works Administration, 405 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville. Open until 5 p.m. Monday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Limit 10 pre-made bags per person.

• Citizens Field, 1000 NE Waldo Road, Gainesville. Open until 5 p.m. Monday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Self-serve sandbags are available. Bring a shovel. Assistance is available for those in need. A limit of 10 bags for filling will be provided per vehicle.

• The City of High Springs has sandbags available from noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park, 17380 NW US HWY 441. This is a self-serve site, limit 10 bags. Bring your own shovel.

• Micanopy has sandbags available at 706 NE Cholokka Blvd., behind the Town Hall building. Self-serve.

• Newberry Public Works Compound, 120 NW 60th St. Sandbags are first come, first served. Bring your own shove.

Preparing for the storm

The best way to stay up to date is to text the word ALACHUA to 888-777 and follow the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is now live and is a good source for the latest storm information.

Alachua County residents should not dismiss this storm. Please take the necessary precautions now to get you and your family ready. You should have your hurricane kits​ and plans in place if you haven’t already done so.

Some of those actions include, but are not limited to:

• Sign up for emergency alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777.

• Clearing items around your home that can be picked up by strong winds.

• Securing property in areas that are prone to flooding.

• Clearing tree limbs from around windows.

• Moving vehicles out from underneath trees.

• Ensuring everyone in your family is familiar with your disaster plan.

• Having a plan for prolonged power outages.

• Refilling prescription medications.

• Having a plan for your pets.

• Checking up on neighbors and those that you know may have special needs.

• Use Alachua.weatherstem.com to view weather stations that are near your home.

• Go to hurricanes.gov and weather.gov/jax for the latest storm track and potential impacts.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Alachua County declares state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Milton