NORTH CENTRAL, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE, 2:50 p.m.: The National Weather Service (NWS) has updated the forecast for the remainder of Thursday as the weather threat diminishes. The NWS says a wind advisory remains in effect and isolated thunderstorms are possible south of St. Augustine and east of Ocala. The meteorologists say the strongest winds should be ending around 5 p.m.
UPDATE, 12:20 p.m.: In anticipation of today’s weather, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) canceled the Under Tack Show. OBS rescheduled the Spring Sale of Two Year Olds for Friday, April 12. OBS says each Under Tack Show will be shifted one day and will continue on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All three sessions will begin at 8:00 a.m. The sale will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, April 16.
UPDATE, 12:10 p.m.: Show us the weather where you are. If it’s safe to do so, share your photos or video of today’s weather with us on Facebook. Click here and drop your photos and video in the comments.
UPDATE, 11:55 a.m.: In preparation for today’s severe weather threat, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to prepare resources for rapid deployment. He issued the order on Wednesday in anticipation of initial impact in the Panhandle and Big Bend.
ORIGINAL, 7:50 a.m.:The stormy weather is rolling into North Central Florida.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado watch until 3 p.m. Thursday for all counties in the 352.
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for producing tornadoes.
In addition to the potential for tornadoes, the 352 will see high wind and heavy rain.
The storm system that is making its way across the Florida Peninsula has already left a trail of damage in its wake stretching from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.
A tornado demolished buildings in Slidell, Louisiana, and flooding inundated streets in low-lying New Orleans.
Here’s what the NWS says you should expect in the Ocala area:
Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 2 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 81. Very windy, with a south wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
We’ll continue to update this weather blog throughout the day with timely, relevant information. Check back frequently for new information.