Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Friday

[US National Weather Service in Jacksonville]

The Ocala Marion County area is at a slight risk for severe weather Friday morning and afternoon, with potential hazards of wind gusts, tornadoes, waterspouts and hail, according to the US National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

AlertMarion notified residents of a severe thunderstorm warning at 9:26 a.m.

The risk for these conditions in this area are slight, with a 15-29% chance of severe wind, according to NWS.

The region surrounding the Interstate 10 corridor, including Gainesville, Jacksonville and St. Augustine, is at a more enhanced risk of severe weather, according to NWS.

“While Ocala is currently in the marginal area of the advisory, if the system shifts, we could be more heavily impacted. It is always better to be prepared in case severe weather strikes,” according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.