Tropical Storm Helene update #2

Published on September 25, 2024

Our area is under a Tropical Storm Warning with strong winds expected and tornados possible within 48 hours. The storm could bring 4-6 inches of rain as well as localized flooding.

Yesterday, Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward signed an executive order declaring a local state of emergency. The order mobilizes all resources necessary to coordinate the city’s severe weather response for the safety and protection of all neighbors.

Neighbors should finalize efforts today to protect themselves and their families, and prepare their property for significant wind damage. To receive City of Gainesville alerts, sign up at www.alertgnv.org.

Sandbag operations

• Pre-made sandbags remain available until 5 p.m. today, Sept. 25 at the Public Works Center, 405 NW 39th Ave. A limit of 10 filled sandbags per vehicle can be picked up at this location. To ease traffic flow, arrive at this location via northbound NW Sixth Street and then turn east (right) onto NW 39th Ave.
• Bags and sand to make self-serve sandbags remain available until 5 p.m. today, Sept. 25 at Citizens Field, 1000 NE Waldo Rd. Please bring a shovel or trowel to fill sandbags at this location. Assistance is available for those in need. A limit of 10 bags for filling will be provided per vehicle. To ease traffic flow, access the site from NE 12th Ave. via Waldo Road, or travel south on NE 15th Street via NE 16th Ave.

Refuse Collection

• All residential trash and recycling pickup for tomorrow, Sept. 26 is delayed with expected pickup on Friday. Please do not place containers, branches or other items curbside tomorrow.

Facilities

• All parks, pools and recreation centers are closed until the storm passes.
• City offices will be closed tomorrow, Sept. 26.

   

Regional Transit System (RTS)

• Bus service continues normal operations at this time. Service will be suspended once area winds reach 35 mph. Visit www.go-rts.com for additional information. 

Public Meetings

• Visit the Public Meeting Calendar on the city’s website for the current list of scheduled meetings.

Additional resources

• 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 all emergency management updates and additional preparedness tips.