A threat for flooding in Ocala

Staff report

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning through Thursday evening for northeast Florida due to excess rainfall.

The city of Ocala has announced that sandbag stations will be open today from noon until 6 p.m. and Thursday, June 22, from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. at the following locations:

E.D. Croskey Center, 1510 NW Fourth St.

Jervey Gantt, 2200 SE 36th Ave.

The stations are available to city residents at no cost. The limit is 10 sandbags per resident. Sandbag station locations and hours of operation are subject to change as weather conditions change.

The city’s media release recommended using sandbags to prevent water intrusion during storms and severe weather by placing them in doorways, driveway aprons, garage doors, and other areas around the home.

Marion County, in partnership with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management, announced additional locations for sandbags at the Martel Recycling Center,  296 SW 67th Ave., and Belleview Sportsplex, 6501 SE 107th St. These locations also will be operational from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. today. They will reopen on Thursday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All locations are self-serve, with assistance as needed and are limited to 10 bags per resident.

Marion County Emergency Management officials are encouraging all residents to sign up for Alert Marion, the county’s alert notification system. Through Alert Marion, residents receive the most up-to-date information and warnings on severe storms, tornadoes, and other life-endangering events that may occur. Marion County residents can click here to sign up for Alert Marion.