FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
CONTACT:
LESLIE D. STEELE
media@gadsdencountyfl.gov
850.743.8757
GADSDEN COUNTY IS PREPARED FOR TROPICAL STORM HELENE ANNOUNCES OFFICE CLOSURES AND SERVICES CHANGES
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla – Due to potentially severe weather from Tropical Storm Helene, Gadsden County Governmental Offices will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday, September August 25 and on Thursday, September 26.
The National Hurricane Center has issued the first cone for potential tropical cyclone nine. The storm, projected to become a Category 3 hurricane named Helene, is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region on Thursday.
Residents are advised to prepare for sustained high winds, heavy rain, and potential impacts such as downed trees, localized flooding, flash flooding, blocked roads, and power outages.
The County’s Public Works Crew and Gadsden County First Responders are prepared to respond when conditions allow. First Responders, including the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden County Emergency Medical Services, and Gadsden County Fire, will not respond to emergency calls once winds reach 35 miles per hour. However, dispatch and the Emergency Operation Center will continue to accept calls, and response will resume when conditions are safe.
The following county offices and services will be closed at noon on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, and Thursday, September 26, 2024: -
- Gadsden County offices –
- Gadsden County libraries –
- Gadsden County Mosquito Control –
- Gadsden County Animal Control –
- Gadsden County Parks
Gadsden County residents are strongly encouraged to follow their emergency preparedness plan.
For disaster planning resources in Florida, residents can visit the following websites: -
FloridaDisaster.org: Information on open general and special needs shelters in Florida –
Visit Florida website: Travel safety information and lodging availability –
American Red Cross shelter directory: List of open American Red Cross shelters nationwide
Residents needing more information or assistance can call Gadsden County Emergency Management at (850) 875-8903. They can also sign up for emergency text alerts by texting AlertGadsden to 888777 for accurate and up-to-date weather and emergency alerts. Sign up is also available on the County’s website gadsdencountyfl.gov
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