OCALA, FL (352today.com) – You’ll want to take down the wind chimes and any loose outdoor furnishings like cushions and lightweight chairs, they’ll be no match for dangerous and damaging winds that will blow across north-central Florida today.
The National Weather Service (NWS) expects wind gusts to be above 50 mph. That reality has prompted many school districts to cancel school for today due to the danger for buses to be on the roads.
In addition to the high winds, the storm system will bring heavy rain and the potential for tornadoes.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has activated the Florida State Guard to prepare for any impacts from the storm.
Utility companies are monitoring and preparing for the severe weather system to cause widespread power outages.
“Forecasts show the potential for strong, gusty winds and severe storms throughout many parts of Duke Energy Florida’s service territory,” said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. “Our crews are prepared to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. We urge customers to follow the instructions of Florida emergency management officials and have a plan in place in case they experience an extended outage.”
County emergency management officials urge you to stay weather aware with multiple ways to receive weather alerts including downloading the 352today news app and enable weather alerts. If you have a NOAA weather radio, put fresh batteries in it and turn it on.
Ocala Forecast
Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the NWS.
Today: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds. High near 78. Very windy, with a south wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds. Low around 45. Windy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then showers and thunderstorms after 8am. High near 76. Windy. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Low around 49. Very windy. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Get your 352 weather info here anytime you need it or download our free app. Be sure to enable the weather alert to receive push notifications.
