• Weather Alert

  • Good afternoon Suwannee County.
    Tropical Storm Ian was upgraded to a hurricane yesterday and currently has 115 mph maximum sustained winds. It is moving north at 10 mph as it makes its way towards Florida.
    We’ve seen several changes in the forecast track over the past 24 hours.
    As of 11 AM this morning, it is now predicted that Hurricane Ian will make landfall along the southwest Gulfcoast around Sarasota on Wednesday night, as a dangerous category 3 storm.
    After landfall, Hurricane Ian is forecast to move NNE up the Florida peninsula on Thursday and Friday, with the center of Hurricane Ian passing to the east of Suwannee County, near Jacksonville.
    Now please, remember that is the CENTER of the storm, and tropical storm force winds and heavy rain can still impact our area.
    Once again, these predictions can and most likely will change as meteorologists determine how Hurricane Ian interacts with the warm Gulf of Mexico waters and land.
    Local Impacts:
    The NWS has informed us, that based on the current forecast model, we can expect to experience tropical storm force winds, and potentially 6-10” of rain locally.
    Local State of Emergency
    A Local State of Emergency (LSE) declaration was signed on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 0930 by the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners.
    SHELTERS:
    At this time, we are planning on opening shelters on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the following locations.
    General Population (pet-friendly)
    Suwannee Pineview Elementary School
    1748 S. Ohio Avenue, Live Oak, FL 32064
    General Population
    Branford Elementary School
    26801 SR 247, Branford, FL 32008
    Special Needs Shelter
    Suwannee Springcrest Elementary School
    1419 SW Walker Ave, Live Oak, FL 32064
    If you choose to come to a shelter, please bring snacks, water, blankets, pillows, and any medications or comfort items you might need.
    Based on updated forecast models, this time may change.
    SANDBAGS:
    Sandbags are available to be filled at:
    Live Oak Fire Department
    200 Duval Street NE, Live Oak, FL 32064
    Branford Volunteer Fire Department
    602 NW Suwannee Avenue, Branford, FL 32008
    SCHOOLS:
    For current information regarding Suwannee County Schools, please see the Superintendent’s Message Regarding Hurricane Ian:
    LOCAL GOVERNMENT CLOSURES:
    Visit, https://suwanneecountyfl.gov for Suwannee County Government closures.
    If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency Operations Center at 386-688-7367.
    For the latest, up to date information regarding Hurricane Ian, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s website: