OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County is getting ready for possibly severe weather.

The Marion County Commission declared a state of emergency on Sept. 23, 2024, due to possible severe weather effects from Potential Cyclone Nine.

The local state of emergency was issued after Marion County was listed as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order declaring a state of emergency affecting 41 of Florida’s counties. It was approved unanimously 4-0.

The storm is predicted to become Hurricane Helene as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHS) predicts that it will become parallel to Tampa on Thursday morning about 8 a.m.

“It’s a large system. It’s a large storm,” said Preston Bowlin, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) director of emergency management. “We’re watching it very closely. The governor put out the executive order this morning. We’ve asked for an adoption of a local state of emergency for Marion County in preparation.”

MSCO emergency management began working with their stakeholders and partners in preparation of the impending storm. They started their briefings with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the NHC on Monday morning.

Today’s events will significantly influence how the storm is monitored and how decisions are made by local municipalities and county government, said Bowlin.

Bowlin says that sandbags will be available at six locations throughout the county starting at 12 p.m. today.

There is a possibility that government offices may be shut down on Thursday if the storm continues at its current path and rate of speed.

Emergency management is working with the City of Ocala to open sandbag locations at Croskey Center and Tuscawilla Park. MCSO emergency management is encouraging residents to be proactive by keeping their previously obtained sandbags ready for the upcoming storm. If activated, West Port High School will serve as the county’s special needs shelter.

Residents are encouraged to prepare by doing the following:

  • Sign up for Alert Marion to receive emergency notifications via phone, email, or text message.
  • Stay tuned for weather updates through weather alert radios, local media outlets, the county website and county social media accounts.
  • Review additional tips and planning tools at the Marion County Emergency Operations webpage.
  • Review disaster plans for your family, business, and property.

MCSO Emergency Operations reminds you to get your survival kit and important papers ready and purchase any items you will need to complete your survival kit now to avoid long lines and limited supplies.

You can also find all the information you need to keep you safe and informed before, during, and after the storm at 352today’s Hurricane Weather Center.