OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Gulf Coast is bracing for potential flooding as heavy rains are expected in the days leading up to Hurricane Milton’s projected midweek landfall.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm is set to bring significant rainfall beginning early this week, with the heaviest downpours anticipated from Tuesday night through Wednesday night.

While the exact path of the hurricane remains under monitoring, weather experts warn that there won’t be a shortage of rain even before the storm fully arrives. The accumulated rainfall, combined with Milton’s landfall, increases the risk of flash flooding and waterlogged streets across low-lying areas.

The NWS advises you to prepare for potential flooding.  They also remind you that it’s important to avoid driving through flooded roads, as even shallow water can conceal dangerous conditions or sweep vehicles away.

Hurricane Milton, still gaining strength as it approaches, could bring additional hazards such as strong winds, storm surges, and coastal flooding once it makes landfall. However, the immediate concern remains the heavy rain that is expected to saturate the region before the hurricane hits.

Key Safety Tips:

  • Never drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person over, and one foot of water can carry away vehicles.
  • Be prepared to evacuate if authorities issue flood warnings in your area.
  • Stay tuned to weather updates and follow local emergency protocols.

Ocala Forecast

Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday Night: A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Northeast wind around 8 mph.

Tuesday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.

Wednesday: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Wednesday Night: Tropical storm conditions possible. Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: A 30% chance of showers, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Thursday Night: A 10% chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64

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