Editor's note: This story will be updated as new information related to Tropical Story Debby becomes available.
As of Sunday morning, western Alachua County is under a tropical storm warning and the rest of the county under a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Debby slowly marches north before its expected move across Florida's big bend area.
Alachua County, which also is under a tornado watch, issued a local State of Emergencyahead of the storm on Friday evening.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, Debby had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving north at 12 mph in the Gulf of Mexico west of Tampa.
More:DeSantis, Florida officials warn of 'catastrophic rain' coming with Tropical Storm Debby
Debby's outer bands could reach the area as early as Sunday afternoon and the storm's impacts are expected to be felt for several days.
Expected to make landfall sometime Monday morning or afternoon, Tropical Storm Debby could bring between 6 and 12 inches of rain to the area, but up to 20 inches of rain is possible if the storm slows down. Residents should be on alert for flash floods, washed-out roads and moderate rive flooding.
The county has activated the 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.
The best way to stay up to date is to text the word ALACHUA to 888-777 and follow theAlachua County Facebook page. TheAlachua County Ready websiteis now live and is a good source for the latest storm information.
Shelters now open
Alachua County has opened three shelters at the following locations:
General shelters (pet friendly)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center, 1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville
- Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry
Special-needs shelter
- Alachua County Senior Recreation Center, 5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville
The following information for those planning to stay at a shelter has been provided by Alachua County.
"Alachua County Public Schools will provide meals to individuals who stay at the shelters.
Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.
Special-needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items, spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items, spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Residents with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc."
Alachua County Public Schools
All Alachua County Public Schools and district offices will be closed Monday due to potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. This includes all extracurricular activities and regular classes at Rawlings Center for the Fine Arts.
University of Florida and Santa Fe College
UF will be closed Monday and all classes (including online) and student-related activities have been canceled. Santa Fe will be closed Monday and college officials will make a decision Monday afternoon on whether classes will resume on Tuesday.
Gainesville, Alachua County offices closed Monday
Due to the storm, the following government offices will be closed on Monday:
Alachua County, the city of Gainesville, Alachua County libraries, the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office, city of Waldo, town of Archer, the city of High Springs, the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County, and the Supervisor of Elections offices.
Early Voting
Early voting in the 2024 primary election, which was scheduled to begin on Aug. 5, will now begin Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. Find more information here.
Regional Transit Sytem (RTS)
RTS' regular services will continue to be available on Monday as long as winds remain calm. RTS is waiving all fares for those traveling to a shelter.
Alachua County parks
All Alachua County parks, preserves and boat ramps will close Sunday at 5 p.m. and reopen following the storm after officials inspect the sites for safety issues.
Waste collection
Residential garbage, recycling and yard waste will not be picked up on Monday and services will be delayed one day for all residents. Normal operations will resume the following week. The Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station and all rural collection sites will be closed Monday.
