Hurricane Idalia Information

Hurricane Idalia - Last updated 10:16 am on 8/29

​The City of Newberry and Alachua County urges citizens to stay vigilant and prepared as we expect hurricane-force winds and heavy rain impacts to our area, starting with tropical-storm-force winds. 

Idalia is now a Category 1 Hurricane. It is expected to be a Category 3 Hurricane when it makes landfall.

As of the current update, rainfall of 4 to 6 inches is expected. The earliest anticipated onset of Tropical storm winds is 2 a.m. and most likely 5 a.m. Western Alachua County is under a Hurricane Warning, while east of the I75 corridor is under a Tropical Storm Warning.

The Emergency Operation Center is at a Level 2 activation.  It will go to level 1 at 7 a.m. Tuesday.  

Sandbags are available at the City's Public Work's Compound at 120 NW 260th Street (across from Lois Forte Park). Residents need to bring their own shovels.

Please take the necessary precautions now to get you and your family ready. You should have your hurricane kits and plans in place. 

See damage? Report it! Report an Issue

Other than an emergency, residents needing to report a storm-related issue can report online (click here), by using our NewberryFLConnect smartphone application, or by calling 352-472-2161.

Shelter Information 

SHELTERS ARE OPEN.

Alachua County has opened two general population pet-friendly shelters and a special medical needs shelter.

The two general population shelters are at:

• The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center- 1028 N.E. 14th Street, Gainesville
• The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex- 24880 N.W. 16th Avenue, Newberry

The special needs shelter is at:

• ​The Alachua County Senior Recreation Center- 5701 N.W. 34th Boulevard, Gainesville

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, but not the caregiver. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

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 (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.

Pet-friendly shelters are intended to shelter cats, dogs, and their people safe. Citizens with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc. Alachua County Animal Resources and Community Support Services staff will be on-site to encourage both people and animal safety. Animal Resources and Care will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved citizens and pets.

Call 311 for more information. For the latest information on shelters, please visit the Alachua County Emergency Management Website (click here)

Utility Issues 

Power outages for City customers downed trees, and water issues in the city's service area may be reported online (www.NewberryFL.gov) or by calling 352-472-2161 ext 1.  All other emergencies should be reported to 911.

City of Newberry Electric Outages - 1-855-892-3861 or online here

Clay Electric Power Outages - 1-888-434-9844 or online here

Central Florida Electric Outages - 1-800-227-1302

Sandbags and Flooding

Sandbags are available at the City's Public Work's Compound at 120 NW 260th Street (across from Lois Forte Park). Residents need to bring their own shovels.

Evacuations 

A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for those living in mobile or manufactured homes. A list of shelters can be found here: https://alachuacountyready.com/incidents/idalia/shelters 

City Government Offices 

Except for essential public safety services, City offices and facilities will be closed starting at 2 pm on Tuesday (8/29). Public safety vehicles and responders will stay out until wind speeds make responding too dangerous. The service will resume as soon as it is safe.

Please secure all active construction sites to prevent potential hazards from flying debris.

School Closings 

Due to the expected impact of Tropical Storm Idalia, Alachua County Public Schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30.  Only essential personnel will be expected to report to work.

A decision on when schools will reopen will be announced after the storm has passed and we know schools and travel routes are safe.

Trash Pickup

 Our crews are collecting yard debris throughout the city. Please do not put any more yard debris out until after the storm passes, as these items can become projectiles in strong winds. We also ask that you remove any other items from the right of way that could become dangerous during the storm, such as portable basketball hoops.

Other Information / Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

• The 311 Rumor Control phone number is now active. Please use it to verify the most up-to-the-minute information on the storm. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. For emergencies that are not life-threatening, call 352-955-1818. 

• The Alachua County Ready website is live and is a good source for the latest storm information.

• You can check the latest forecast at www.weather.gov/jax