Hurricane warning for western Marion, tropical storm warning for central and eastern

An update on Tropical Storm Idalia as of 11:02 p.m., Aug. 28 [Courtesy of the National Hurricane Center].

A tropical storm warning is now in effect for central and eastern Marion County and a hurricane warning remains in western Marion County as of 11:02 p.m. on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Tropical Storm Idalia “could become a hurricane any time” and make landfall in the Big Bend of the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday morning, according to NWS.

Central Marion locations such as Ocala, Anthony, Burbank and Weirsdale can expect tropical storm force winds within the next 36 hours and can expect 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts of up to 55 mph.

Eastern Marion locations such as Lynne and Moss Bluff can expect wind speeds of 15 to 25 mph. with gusts of about 55 mph.

Both central and eastern areas of the county can expect a peak rainfall level of 2 to 4 inches, with higher levels in certain areas, according to NWS.

Western Marion County, including the Ocala Airport, Rainbow Lakes Estates, Dunnellon and Romeo, remains in a hurricane warning. This area should plan for extreme wind equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane or higher. Wind gusts may reach a potential of 110 mph.

This area should expect peak rainfall of 3 to 6 inches.

Southwestern Marion County can expect severe thunderstorm conditions with wind gusts of up to 40 mph. through 11:45 p.m. Monday, according to NWS.

“At 10:57 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles northwest of Black Diamond to 6 miles west of Wildwood. Movement was northeast at 20 mph,” according to NWS.

Areas impacted by severe thunderstorms in southwestern Marion include Rainbow Lakes Estates, Lake Weir, Belleview, Dunnellon, Romeo and Summerfield. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building, according to NWS.