Idalia Live Blog: FEMA administrator headed to Florida, Biden says

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - TV20 is tracking Idalia and its effects as the storm moves through North Central Florida and beyond.

This story will be updated with the latest information about the storm. For real-time updates on the status of the storm, download our weather app.

4:00 a.m. Levy County sending preliminary damage assessment teams

Levy County will be sending preliminary damage assessment teams this morning into the affected areas.

This is a quick windshield assessment to get to a dollar amount for damage caused by Hurricane Idalia.

The total of all effected counties and the Florida Division of Emergency Management needs to meet a threshold to get a federal emergency declaration Public Assistance and Individual Assistance.

Points of Distribution will be set up in these locations.

• Cedar Key Community Center 809 6th St, Cedar Key
• Rosewood Baptist Church 6331 SW 98th Terrace, Cedar Key
• Otter Creek Town Hall 555 2nd Ave, Otter Creek
• Gulf Hammock Fire Station 2851 SE County Rd 326, Inglis
• Yankeetown Water Plant CR 40 Yankeetown

The Florida National Guard will distribute water and MRE’s at these locations.

7:00 p.m. HCA Florida Suwannee Emergency

The services at HCA Florida Suwannee Emergency in Live Oak are temporarily suspended.

All other locations throughout North Central Florida are open and available.

HCA Florida Lake City Hospital is a nearby location for people in Live Oak needing medical attention.

2:45 p.m. Pres. Biden Addresses Hurricane Idalia

President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House about the recovery efforts following Hurricane Idalia and the Maui wildfires. Biden says he spoke with Gov. Ron DeSantis multiple times on Wednesday.

Ahead of the storm, his administration approved a pre-landfall disaster declaration to ready federal assistance for those impacted by the storm. Biden offered to help any state impacted by the storm.

He directed FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to stay in close contact with the governor.

“I’ve asked that she get on a plane and head to Florida,” said President Joe Biden. “She’ll meet with Gov. DeSantis tomorrow and begin conducting the federal assessment at my direction. Federal teams on the ground are going to continue to work with the first responders on the ground in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.”

12:30 p.m. Gov. DeSantis Hurricane Update

Gov. Ron DeSantis says utility workers are actively working to restore power with a quarter of a million people without power. The National Guard is responding to clear debris, while the Coast Guard is aiding in search and rescue operations.

Tampa airport is set to reopen for incoming flights at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The governor says the Gainesville Regional Airport will reopen Wednesday night. The ports will reopen after an inspection.

As of yet, no fatalities are confirmed due to the storm.

RELATED: Gainesville man driving during Idalia dies in crash

The University of Florida will return to normal operations on Thursday. Classes and all academic and student-related activities, including UF online classes, will resume as well.

11:25 a.m. Hundreds of Thousands without Power

More than 285,000 electric customers are without power in the state of Florida. The outages are concentrated in North Central Florida and the Big Bend region.

Reports show more than 95 percent of Suwannee County is without power. Columbia County reports that 80 percent of customers are experiencing an outage. Dixie County has 78 percent of customers without power. Levy County reports outages for 53 percent of customers.

Is your power out? NCFL utility power outage reporting numbers, maps.

11:00 a.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Idalia has lost a lot of strength as it moved into Georgia. Max winds are estimated at 90 mph and will continue to drop over the next several hours. Wind gusts are still whipping around North Central Florida. Some tornado watches remain in effect for the area.

By 8 p.m. the storm should reach Savannah, Georgia.

10:27 a.m. National Guard to Deploy in Dixie

Dixie County Emergency Management officials say members of the National Guard sheltering at Dixie County High School are preparing to head to the coast. The Guardsmen will deploy waves to engage in search and rescue operations. Heavy equipment was parked at the shelter to be used for the operations.

9: 35 a.m. Road Closures Reported

The storm has caused many roads to be blocked due to debris and flooding. The Florida Highway Patrol reports debris on roads including Southwest Williston Road in Gainesville, State Road 45 in High Springs, and US 19 in Cross City.

More reports of debris on roadways are reported on the Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Map.

Dixie County officials say a handful of homes have people trapped inside due to falling trees.

9:00 a.m. Emergency Crews Gather

Gainesville Fire Rescue’s search and rescue unit is sending task force members to Marion County to join teams from around the state. Once the storm has passed, crews will deploy to the most hard-hit regions.

Significant flooding due to storm surge has been reported in many parts of the coast including Cedar Key and Steinhatchee.

Dixie County emergency response was temporarily suspended along with Suwannee and Gilchrist counties.

8:00 a.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Taylor County and is moving through the county into Suwannee, Lafayette, Madison, and Hamilton Counties. Maximum winds are estimated at 120 mph. The winds are expected to continue to decrease as the storm moves over land.

The storm will move north into Georgia.

7:45 a.m. Idalia Makes Landfall

The National Hurricane Center confirmed Idalia has made landfall as a Category 3 Hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region. Maximum sustained winds were estimated to be 125 mph. “Catastrophic” storm surge and damaging winds are ongoing.

7:25 a.m. Gilchrist County Emergency Response Suspended

Due to unsafe weather conditions, all Gilchrist County first responders will be unable to respond until the conditions lessen. The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office says residents should still call 911 if there is an emergency.

More than 130,000 households in Florida are without power as the storm advances. 7,000 customers in Levy County and nearly 6,000 in Dixie County are without power.

Marion County suffered limited impacts from the storm as it shifted west. Sheriff Billy Woods warns residents to remain vigilant due to the possibility of tornadoes.

7 a.m. Suwannee County Suspends Emergency Response

Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office announced they have suspended emergency response until further notice. They will respond to calls for service once able.

6:30 a.m. Gov DeSantis Update from EOC in Tallahassee

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Idalia as the Category 4 storm bears down on the coast of Florida.

The governor said 54,000 Floridians were without power as the storm is expected to make landfall around 8 a.m. in Taylor County. More than 100,000 people lost power and the electricity has already been restored.

Once the storm clears, the eight search and rescue teams on standby will begin helping those in need. The U.S. Coast Guard is on standby if needed.

DeSantis warns people not to leave their homes until after the storm passes.

During the press conference, the Emergency Operations Center briefly lost power. The electricity was restored quickly.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked about his thoughts about residents of Cedar Key who did not evacuate.

“It is extremely hazardous when [storm surge] approaches 16 feet,” said DeSantis.

5:45 a.m. Dixie County Residents Ride Out Storm in Shelter

More than 100 people are at a shelter in Dixie County as the storm bears down. The general population shelter is located at the Dixie County High School. A mandatory evacuation is in effect for the county.

5: 00 a.m. Idalia Reaches Cat 4

The latest update from the National Weather Service reports Hurricane Idalia has reached Category 4. The hurricane is just offshore of Cedar Key and is expected to make landfall in Taylor County around 8 a.m.

4:30 a.m. Power Outages Reported in Florida

The effects of Hurricane Idalia are starting to impact the state of Florida. 48,000 power outages are reported across the state, many of which are in Central Florida and the Florida Panhandle. Conditions are expected to rapidly worsen, increasing the number of outages in North Central Florida.

Information about regional utilities including reporting phone numbers: Is your power out? NCFL utility power outage reporting numbers, maps.

2:00 a.m. BREAKING: Idalia has become a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Idalia is now a Major Hurricane. Idalia is a Category 3 hurricane with max sustained winds of 120 mph. Idalia is located about 100 miles southwest of Cedar Key.

Idalia is forecast to further strengthen, possibly into a Category 4 with 130 mph winds before arriving approaching Taylor County coastline by 6-8 a.m.

A storm surge of 10-15 feet is still expected along the gulf coast as Idalia approaches overnight and early Wednesday.

Interior portions of North Central Florida will experience tropical storm force winds and gusts to hurricane strength.

A tornado watch is now in effect until 6 a.m. for areas of North Central Florida along and west of I-75.

1:30 a.m. Steinhatchee Live Camera

We have a a free to use camera that is a live from Roy’s Restaurant in Steinhatchee. To view the live camera, click on the link below.

LIVE STEINHATCHEE CAMERA

1:00 a.m. Idalia update

At 1 a.m., Idalia is still a strong Category 2 hurricane will max winds of 110 mph. Idalia’s moving north at 16 mph.

The next advisory will be at 2 a.m. and The National Hurricane Center will put out a revised track at 5 a.m.

12:40 a.m. Cedar Key Live Camera

We have a a free to use camera that is a live from the 83 West & 29 North restaurant in Cedar Key. This is a popular restaurant in the area. To view the live camera, click on the link below

LIVE CEDAR KEY CAMERA

11:00 p.m. Idalia update

At 11 p.m. Idalia has maxed sustained winds of 110 mph. It is moving North at 18 mph. The National Hurricane Center expects Idalia to be a Category 4 hurricane prior to landfall.

The NHC is also now calling for a 12-to-16 feet of storm surge in some spots.

Idalia should approach the coast line near Taylor and Dixie counties between 6 and 8 a.m.

10:00 p.m. Idalia likely to become a major hurricane very soon

At 10 p.m., Idalia was located about 150 miles southwest of Tampa with winds of 110mph, making the storm a high-end Category 2 hurricane.

Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a major Category 3 hurricane before arriving and approaching Dixie/Taylor County coastlines by 6-8 a.m.

A storm surge of 10-to-15 feet is still expected along the gulf coast as Idalia approaches overnight and early Wednesday.

A tornado watch is now in effect until 6 a.m. for areas of North County Florida along and West of *-75.

9:45 p.m. Multiple counties issue tornado watches

Multiple North Florida counties issue tornado watches ahead of Hurricane Idalia making landfall.

Alachua, Dixie, Citrus, Gilchrist, Marion, Sumter, Lafayette, and Levy counties issued these watches around 9:30 this evening, and are in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Officials within these areas say to be alert and prepared to act quickly in relocating to your safe location if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.

8 p.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Idalia continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico and is likely to become a major hurricane soon.

At 8 p.m., Idalia was located about 155 miles southwest of Tampa with winds of 105mph, making the storm a high-end Category 2 hurricane.

Idalia is forecast to strengthen to a major Category 3 hurricane before arriving along the Dixie/Taylor County coastline by early morning between 6-8 a.m. depending on the storm’s forward speed.

A storm surge of 10-to-15 feet is anticipated along the gulf coast as Idalia approaches overnight and early Wednesday.

Evacuate if you are advised to do so, and stay safe through the storm.

5 p.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Hurricane Idalia has been upgraded to a Category 2 storm. Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions are expected along the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The pressure inside the storm has dropped again in the latest advisory for the National Weather Service. The cone of uncertainty has shrunk and shifted to the west. Cedar Key is no longer in the cone, however, the storm will impact the city.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect from Lake City down to Gainesville and from Crystl River to St. Marks and Cedar Key. The storm surge of the coast is expected to be at least 8 to 12 feet with waves on top of that.

The storm is strengthening with hurricane-force winds about 25 miles out from the center of the storm.

3 p.m. Cedar Key Mayor Warns Residents

Leaders in Cedar Key held a press conference to warn residents about the dangers of the coming storm. With strong winds and storm surge expected, Mayor Heath Davis wants residents to take the storm seriously.

“Guys, this is bad,” said the mayor. “At the least, it’s worse than we’ve ever seen. So we have to assume that you’ve lived in an area for a long time, and you think that just because you never had a bad situation there before, it’s going to be worse.”

RELATED: Evacuations ordered ahead of Idalia, shelters open in North Central Florida

A mandatory has been ordered for Levy County residents and visitors in the coastal areas of Levy County. This includes, but is not limited to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Fowlers Bluff, Fanning Springs, and any other area that is prone to storm surge.

Emergency management officials ask residents to begin preparations for evacuations as soon as possible and be completed by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Residents and visitors of Cedar Key need to be off the island before the storm surge arrives. The bridges throughout the island cannot withstand the storm surge and will become impassable.

1:45 p.m. Gov. DeSantis Lake City Briefing

Gov. Ron DeSantis was joined by public safety officials in Columbia County ahead of Hurricane Idalia.

In Lake City, Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized Hurricane Idalia will impact inland counties, such as Columbia County as well as coastal communities.

“You should prepare to be without power if you are in the path of the storm,” said the governor. The governor says more than a million gallons of fuel are on standby if needed after the storm.

1:00 p.m. Gilchrist County Evacuations

Gilchrist County has issued a mandatory evacuation for all residents effective Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

• Special Needs Shelter – Open Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Bell High School Health Academy 930 S Main Street Bell, FL
• General Population Shelter – Open Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Bell Elementary 2771 E Bell Avenue Bell, FL Pet Friendly- Must follow all applicable laws. Trenton Elementary 1350 SW SR 26 Trenton, FL No Pets

Public Information Line: 386-935-5418

11:30 a.m. Gov. DeSantis Wildwood Briefing

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update on the efforts to prepare for Hurricane Idalia. Utility crews are stationing in Wildwood in preparation for the storm.

The governor says residents should expect power outages from the storm, however, the state will work with local utilities to restore power as quickly as possible.

State officials reiterated the need for utility companies and municipal utilities to work together and accept help repair damage from the storm.

11:00 a.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

The 11 a.m. update on Hurricane Idalia puts the center due west of Key West, or about 275 miles SSW of Tampa. The storm is moving to the north at around 14 mph but may move a bit faster to the NNE as we head into Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with rapid strengthening expected between now and Wednesday morning. On its current track, Idalia is expected to move onshore to the upper Gulf coast tomorrow morning.

This increases the threat of storm surge flooding (8-12 feet) along our coast. Residents across NCFL can expect heavy rain, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

10: 20 a.m. Alachua County Shelters Open

Alachua County has opened three emergency shelters ahead of the hurricane. One for special needs individuals and two for pet-friendly general population shelters.

General Population:

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

Special Needs:

• 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.

RELATED: Evacuations ordered ahead of Idalia, shelters open in North Central Florida

9:00 a.m. DeSantis EOC Briefing

Gov. Ron DeSantis gives an update on Hurricane Idalia from the Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee as the storm approaches North Central Florida.

“If the storm hits at high tide, storm surge could be 8 to 12 feet,” said DeSantis as he reiterated the need to heed evacuation orders. “Err on the side of caution.”

FDOT is waving tolls in Central Florida to aid people seeking to evacuate. FDOT and FHP will work to close bridges once winds reach 40 mph.

30,000 to 40,000 linemen will be in Florida ready to respond to restore power after the storm.

He explained the storm track has shifted west slightly to the west increasing the risk to Taylor County.

RELATED: Emergency contact lines open ahead of storms in North Central Florida

The emergency management director says communities should not focus on the cone, but rather if a watch or warning is active. The effects of the storm will be wide.

8:00 a.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Idalia continues to strengthen as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. Idalia has max sustained winds of 80 mph. It is moving north at 14 mph.

There will be a revised track update at 11 a.m. put out by the National Hurricane Center.

5:00 a.m. BREAKING: Idalia has become a Hurricane

Idalia has been upgraded to a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center Tuesday morning.

Idalia has max sustained winds of 75 mph and is moving north at 14 mph. It is forecast to be a category 3 hurricane with max sustained winds of 120 mph Wednesday morning.

The National Hurricane Center will have its next update at 8 a.m.

2:00 a.m. Idalia Update

Idalia is slowly entering the Gulf of Mexico with 70 mph winds. No real change in strength with this advisory but intensification is likely as Idalia parallels the west coast of Florida through the day on Tuesday.

The next update with a revised Forecast Track will be issued at 5:00 a.m. by the National Hurricane Center.

11:00 p.m. Idalia Update

The 11:00 p.m. update from the NHC has Idalia approaching the southeastern Gulf of Mexico with winds of 70 mph. Tropical storm force winds or 39 mph or greater extend out 150 miles from the center of the storm.

Idalia is expected to strengthen from a Cat 1 to Cat 2 and then a Cat 3 Hurricane with winds greater than 120 mph before approaching NCFL.

The current forecast projection has Idalia impacting NCFL overnight Tuesday through the day of Wednesday with winds exceeding hurricane force and possibly as strong as 110 mph, especially along and west of I-75 by early Wednesday morning.

11:00 p.m. Levy County Mandatory Evacuation Notice

Levy County Emergency Management officials are announcing the mandatory evacuation for some residents in the county.

Residents living in mobile homes, recreational vehicles, or those living in coastal communities and low-lying areas will have to evacuate.

They are asking those residents to evacuate by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

9:30 p.m. NCFL Emergency Contacts

Several North Central Florida counties have released emergency phone lines for residents to call with questions about the storm.

Some numbers are available 24/7, while others aren’t.

• Alachua County: 311, or 352-264-6557
• Dixie County: 352-498-1464
• Levy County: 352-486-5155
• Marion County: 352-369-7500
• Putnam County: 386-329-1904

8:45 p.m. Dixie County Evacuation Order

An evacuation order has been issued for residents in Dixie County.

A general population shelter will open on Tuesday, August 29, at the Dixie County High School starting at 9:00 a.m.

A Special needs shelter will also open at the Bell Middle/High School at 9:00 a.m.

8:00 p.m. Idalia Storm Update

The update from the NHC at 8:00 p.m. has Idalia passing just west of the western tip of Cuba. The storm has sustained winds of 70 mph, just below hurricane strength.

Additional strengthening is still expected after Idalia enters the southeastern Gulf. Before approaching the NCFL Gulf coast, Idalia could attain Cat 3 Hurricane status with winds greater than 120 mph.

The current forecast projection has Idalia impacting NCFL overnight Tuesday through the day of Wednesday.

5:45 p.m. Idalia Storm Track Update

Idalia has held in place just southwest of Cuba. The storm is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico just north of Cuba and strengthen into a hurricane.

The storm is expected to become a category two hurricane on Tuesday afternoon and become a category three on Wednesday.

Storm surge warnings are in effect for the coastal regions of North Central Florida. The potential exists for a 7 to 11-foot storm surge. Winds could reach more than 110 mph. Hurricane-force winds could reach as far east as Gainesville.

5:30 p.m. Gainesville Leaders Discuss Idalia

The Gainesville city leaders held a meeting to update residents about current operations and storm preparations in advance of Idalia.

4:15 p.m. UF Cancels Classes

The University of Florida is the latest academic institution to announce plans to close ahead of Idalia. The university will be closed starting at Tuesday at noon through Wednesday. Florida Gateway College, Santa Fe College, and the College of Central Florida have announced similar closures.

All of the school closures can be found here: North Central Florida schools close due to Idalia

3:45 p.m Gov. DeSantis in Levy County

Gov. Ron DeSantis arrived in Levy County ahead of Idalia to discuss the state’s plan for the storm. The governor reiterated the Hurricane Warning for the entire golf coast of Florida.

The state is standing by with water, MREs, boats, Star Link devices, and other assistance after the storm. Residents’ emergency kits should have several days worth of food and water.

Residents and businesses in need of additional assistance need to contact the Levy County Emergency Management.

“Storm surge and freshwater flooding are the number one and two killers,” said Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Department of Emergency Management. “You do not want to be dealing with hundreds of cubic yards of water in your home.”

2 p.m. Storm Track Update

Tropical Storm Idalia is a bit stronger at 2 p.m. with max sustained winds near 70 mph. The storm is forecast to strengthen and is likely to become a hurricane on Monday night. It’s now centered about 50 miles SSW of the western tip of Cuba.

The forecast track is unchanged, with Idalia getting stronger as it makes its way through the eastern Gulf of Mexico during the day Tuesday. It’s expected to approach our Gulf coast late Tuesday night into Wednesday.

1:45 p.m. DeSantis Gives Idalia Update

Gov. Ron DeSantis gave an update on Idalia as it approaches the state during a briefing in Pinellas County. The state is working to stage utility crews, 5,500 National Guard members, and more than 200,000 gallons of fuel to come in after the storm.

DeSantis spoke with President Joe Biden and announced the state’s pre-landfall declaration was approved by the federal government.

The governor says if the storm continues on its track into North Central Florida, residents should prepare to lose power. He says people who use generators should not run them indoors

Those in low-lying areas are asked to evacuate to higher ground. Idalia is expected to have a significant storm surge.

1 p.m. Levy County Evacuations

A mandatory has been ordered for Levy County residents and visitors in the coastal areas of Levy County. This includes, but is not limited to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Fowlers Bluff, Fanning Springs, and any other area that is prone to storm surge.

Emergency management officials ask residents to begin preparations for evacuations as soon as possible and be completed by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Residents and visitors of Cedar Key need to be off the island before the storm surge arrives. The bridges throughout the island cannot withstand the storm surge and will become impassable.

All Levy County Public offices will be closed for business Tuesday and Wednesday. This closure includes the Court House and Judicial services.

11:35 a.m. Biden Approves Emergency Declaration

President Joe Biden has declared a State of Emergency in Florida due to the expected impacts of Idalia. The action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the counties of Alachua, Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Florida Gateway College has announced campuses will close on Tuesday and Wednesday.

SCHOOLS: North Central Florida schools close due to Idalia

11:15 a.m. Storm Track Update

A Hurricane Warning and Storm Surge Warning are now in effect for North Central Florida. At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Idalia is centered about 80 miles SSW of the western tip of Cuba. The storm continues to move to the north at around 8 miles per hour. This motion is expected to continue, bringing the storm into the southeastern Gulf later Monday night. Maximum winds are about 65 mph near the center. Strengthening is likely and Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane off the Florida west coast later on Tuesday.

The current forecast is for Idalia to approach our Gulf coast late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Residents can expect hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding of 7 to 11 feet, and the possibility of tornadoes.

Marion County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials recommend evacuations for people who live west of I-75 in a mobile home, RV, or other substandard housing. Shelters and sandbag locations are being opened.

SHELTERS: Storm shelters prepare to open ahead of Idalia

10: 40 a.m. Levy County storm prep:

Levy County is expected to be one of the areas most impacted by Idalia. Emergency management officials are taking precautions ahead of the storm.

Shelters:

• Special needs shelter will be open at the Bronson Elementary School; 400 Ishie Avenue Bronson, Florida at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning (8/29/23)
• General population and pet-friendly shelter will be open at the Bronson Middle/High School; 351 Ishie Avenue Bronson, Florida at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning (8/29/23). Williston Middle High School shelter will be open once Bronson Middle High is near capacity.
• Citizens with animals that need to be sheltered need to bring a crate, food, bottled water (1 gallon jug per animal) and any medications. Owners must provide Rabies vaccine certificate and proof of distemper parvo/ feline distemper vaccine. Levy County Animal Services will provide vaccines for addition $10.00 per vaccines. All animals will be sheltered at the Levy County Animal Control shelter if you cannot provide proof of vaccinations. Citizens who have pet questions should call (352) 486-5138

Closures:

• Levy County Schools have been canceled on Tuesday (8/29/23) and Wednesday (8/30/23)
• All county boat ramps will be closed at the end of business on Monday
• The Cedar Key airport will be closed

RELATED: Sandbag locations offered in North Central Florida ahead of Idalia

10: 25 a.m. Alachua County offers sandbags:

Alachua County is offering sandbags for residents ahead of the storm. Sandbags will be distributed on Monday at Wayside Park 11855 NW US 441, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10 bags are allowed per vehicle. At closure, sandbags, sand, and shovels will be available for self-serve. The location will be opened and staffed again on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until noon.

9 a.m. Gov. DeSantis Idalia Briefing

“The storm will become a hurricane today,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis during his 9:00 a.m. briefing. “This is going to be a major impact.”

Hurricane Watches are in effect from the National Weather Service along the coast between Sarasota County and Franklin County. The governor warns everyone on the Gulf Coast to be prepared for the storm.

A pre-landfall declaration has been submitted to the federal government ahead of the storm.

“There are going to be evacuation orders issued in all of these Gulf Coast counties in the A and B zones. All the barrier islands, places that are low-lying, you are going to be told to evacuate,” said DeSantis.

Citrus and Levy County schools are closed on Tuesday. Hernando County Schools closed on Monday.

5:00 a.m. Monday Storm Track Update

Idalia strengthens a little bit. Idalia has max winds of 65 mph and is moving north at about 7 mph. The National Hurricane Center is now forecasting Idalia to be major hurricane before landfall.

11:00 p.m. Storm Track Update

Idalia continues to strengthen in the western Caribbean just SW of the western tip of Cuba. Idalia remains stationary with winds increasing to 60 mph at its current position. A gradual turn toward the north then NNE is expected Monday as Idalia is forecast to intensify to a Cat 2 Hurricane with 110 mph winds. This is only one mph shy of a Cat 3 or Major Hurricane.

Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches remain in effect along the Gulf Coast of NCFL. Hurricane-force winds are likely along with a Storm Surge potential of 7-11 ft along the coast. Tropical Storm Winds could arrive within interior counties as early as Tuesday evening. Tornadoes and Flooding Rainfall will arrive in NCFL Tuesday evening, well before the center of Idalia.

5:00 p.m. Sunday Storm Track Update

Tropical Storm Idalia formed near Cozumel in the western Caribbean. As of 5 PM Sunday, August 27th, the NHC indicates that Idalia has maximum winds of 40 mph and is moving slowly to the ENE at 3 mph. The storm is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico Monday and strengthen into a hurricane. The forecast track brings Idalia N then NNE towards the North Central Florida, NCFL, Gulf Coast late Tuesday into Wednesday while possibly intensifying into a Cat 2 Hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph or greater.

A Hurricane and Storm Surge Watch are now in effect along the Gulf Coast of NCFL. Hurricane-force winds in excess of 100 mph are possible along the coast with a Storm Surge potential of 7-11 ft. Interior portions of NCFL are expected to be impacted by Tornadoes, Tropical Storm Winds with Hurricane Gusts, and Flooding Rainfall from late Tuesday through Wednesday.

Now is the time to prepare, well before storm conditions arrive.

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