Severe Weather Updates, Cancellations, Sandbags

Severe weather in Central Florida on Thursday caused road closures and school activity cancellations. While areas, especially parts of Marion County, were experiencing flooding, there were no reports of structural damage Thursday afternoon.

The current road closures in Ocala due to high levels of water are: NE 18th Avenue between NE 4th Street and NE 5th Street, NW 16th Street between NW 18th Avenue and NW 21st Avenue, and the intersection of NW 6th Avenue and NW 26th Street.

TRACK STORMS: Weather Section

Earlier Thursday, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to twenty three 911 calls during severe weather. Firefighters responded to a variety of incidents, including two water rescues where citizens were trapped in their cars.

Other Ocala 911 calls consisted of fire alarms at commercial buildings, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Fortunately, the storm did not cause any serious injuries in the Ocala area.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer said there are weather-related cancellations for Marion County public schools Thursday.

» All high school activities in Marion County public schools are cancelled Thursday evening.

» All evening classes at CTAE (Community Technical and Adult Education) in Ocala are cancelled Thursday, including GED and ESOL classes.

» Some buses may be delayed Thursday afternoon due to severe weather.

» FCAT testing interrupted Thursday by the severe weather resumes Friday, thanks to state permission.

The Marion County Department of Emergency Management is working through the Marion County Sheriff's Office to distribute 20,000 sandbags to help people deal with any localized threatening water as a result of Thursday’s steady rainfall.

The locations for the sandbag distribution are as follows:

» The Dunnellon Public Service, 11924 Bostick Street, Dunnellon.

» Jervey Gantt Park, 1211 Southeast 22nd Road, Ocala.

There is no charge for the sandbags. There is no limit to the number of sandbags you can take to protect a home or business.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office work crews will be at each location to help fill and load the sandbags.