Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in both Suwannee and Lafayette counties ahead of Hurricane Helene.
The mandatory evacuations in both counties are for residents living in mobile homes, substandard housing, RVs, travel trailers and flood-prone areas. The Suwannee County order is already in effect. Lafayette County’s mandatory evacuation takes effect at 8 a.m. Thursday.
“This evacuation is for your safety due to the dangers posed by sustained tropical-storm-force winds, higher gusts, and the increased risk of tornadoes,” Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John, who also serves as the county’s emergency management director, said in a release.
Helene is expected to develop into a major hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida on Thursday night.
According to Lafayette County’s order, the entire county could experience sustained Category 1-force winds (74-95 mph) with higher gusts, while some areas could experience sustained Category 2-force winds (96-110 mph).
Suwannee County is opening shelters at 6 p.m. today at three locations.
A general population shelter will be open at Branford Elementary School, 26801 State Road 247 in Branford; while a general population/pet-friendly shelter will be located at Suwannee Pineview Elementary, 1748 Ohio Ave. S in Live Oak. A special needs shelter is opening at Suwannee Springcrest Elementary, 1419 Walker Ave. SW in Live Oak.
The shelters provide minimum comfort. Those planning to utilize the shelters are asked to bring their own bedding, snacks, medications and other comfort items they may need.