City of Gainesville, FL

03/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/08/2024 22:23

Tropical Depression 4

Tropical Depression 4

Published on August 03, 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) and National Hurricane Center (NHC) predict that Tropical Depression 4 will intensify over the Gulf of Mexico into Tropical Storm Debby later today (Saturday). The storm's earliest arrival in our area is expected Sunday night into Monday morning.

Forecasters are predicting a heavy rainfall event for Gainesville, with five or six inches possible before the storm exits the area on Wednesday. Counties in the Big Bend region are under a hurricane watch. A watch has not yet been issued for Alachua County, though one is anticipated.

At 6 p.m. on Aug. 3, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward signed an Executive Order declaring a local state of emergency in preparation for the storm's arrival. The order mobilizes all resources necessary to coordinate the City's emergency response for the safety and protection of all neighbors.

Departments throughout the City of Gainesville are ready to respond to this storm. Gainesville Fire Rescue and the Gainesville Police Department have fueled all vehicles and confirmed chainsaws are up and running for tree and debris removal. All City parks are closed; staff have inspected each facility to remove potential projectiles and loose branches.

Now is the time to make sure make sure everyone in your household knows your hurricane plans, as well as someone outside the area who can check in on you. Also take a moment to check with neighbors or those who many need assistance in completing any outdoor preparations including remove items from their yards that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Remember to get early refills on prescriptions that are running low, permitted by state law after a declared emergency.

Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information line for questions and rumor control. Neighbors can dial 311 or 352-264-6557.

Emergency Shelters

• If determined necessary, shelter operations will be announced by Alachua County.

Facilities

• The City's parks and Ironwood Golf Course closed at 3 p.m. on Saturday and will remain closed on Sunday.

• The City of Gainesville is monitoring conditions and will provide future updates regarding City offices and facilities.

Refuse Collection

• There are no changes to residential waste pickup at this time.

Regional Transit System (RTS)

• There is no change to bus service at this time.

Sandbag operations

• Approximately 4,000 sandbags were distributed by the City on Saturday.

• Sandbag distribution at Public Works has ended.

• Sand remains available for self-serve bags at Citizens Field, 1000 NE Waldo Rd. Please bring a shovel or trowel to fill sandbags at this location. Please access the site from NE 12th Avenue via Waldo Road, or travel south on NE 15th Street via NE 16th Avenue.

Additional resources

• Sign up for email, phone and text notifications at www.alertgnv.org.

• Visit GRU.com/StormCentral for a list of important phone numbers in the event of service emergencies, as well as a link to the Gainesville Regional Utilities outage map with estimated time of restoration.

• Visit www.safeGNV.org for additional planning tips and all emergency management updates.