OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you’re a regular reader of 352today, you know that we’re sometimes a bit cheeky when writing about uncomfortable weather conditions or a forecast that will be inconvenient.
This is not one of them.
We’re taking a decidedly more serious tone based on information from state and local emergency managers.
When the weather potentially threatens your safety, we want to make sure you have the information you need to prepare.
What to expect
The National Weather Service (NWS) says a well-defined tropical wave, now identified as Invest 97L, is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. As the system develops, emergency managers across North Central Florida are preparing for the potential of prolonged periods of rain.
Meteorologists say the system could dump at least twelve inches of rainfall over the next seven days. Flooding throughout low-lying areas of North Central Florida is a possibility.
Emergency Preparedness
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Thursday for 54 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Alachua County Emergency Management says the forecast models are still very uncertain, and it is still too early to know the timing, landfall location, intensity, or local impacts. “Forecasts for this storm range anywhere from Alachua County experiencing slightly higher than normal rainfall to significant rainfall impacts of 20 or more inches over several days,” said Alachua County in a news release. “Until the storm becomes better organized, the continued uncertainty will remain with the forecast.”
People who live in flood prone areas should take steps to secure your property from the flood threat.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will be holding an emergency meeting Friday morning to consider the necessity of a resolution to declare a local state of emergency regarding Invest 97L, the weather system developing in the tropics. The BOCC will meet at 10:30am at the McPherson Auditorium located at 601 SE 25 Ave. in Ocala. 352today will have a reporter at the meeting and provide updates on the outcome of the planning session.
Alerts & Information
Emergency managers don’t want residents and visitors to wait until the last minute to prepare. Marion and Alachua Counties are urging residents to sign up for real-time text alerts.
Sign up online for important weather alerts from Marion County.
In Alachua County, text the word “ALACHUA” to 888-777. You should also download the 352today FREE news app and enable weather alerts.
Check out the 352today Hurricane Weather Center for information on how to prepare including a disaster supply checklist.
Heat Advisory
In addition to the heavy rain predicted, the NWS has issued a heat advisory from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday afternoon. Heat index values are expected to be between 108 to 111.
Ocala Forecast
Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the NWS.
Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4pm. Increasing clouds and hot, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 5pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. High near 93. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Low around 75. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 86. East wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Get your 352 weather info here anytime you need it or download our free app. Be sure to enable the weather alert to receive notifications to your cellphone.