The system is expected to move quickly in the Gulf without stalling. This will bring higher winds farther inland which could result in hurricane-force winds up to I-75 and beyond I-10 into Georgia west of Waycross. It will likely have just over 24 hours once in the Gulf to grow before coming ashore Thursday night.

Jen Grice, the county's director of emergency management, said rainfall is likely to begin Wednesday night with 4 to 6 inches expected through Friday.

Alachua County announced a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon due to the threat of Hurricane Helene. Shortly after, the Alachua County Crisis Center opened the 311 phone line. County residents can dial 311 for a one-stop shop on all things related to the hurricane.

The county does not offer free sandbags, but a local business has stepped up to help Jacksonville residents. Residents can visit Woerner Turf & Landscaping Supply at 8900 Philips Highway between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday to get the sandbags.

The Hurricane Cone Map shows the likely path of the storm’s center, but it doesn’t reflect the storm’s full size or the areas that will experience dangerous conditions. So, even though Alachua County is outside the current cone,