All extra-curricular activities district-wide are also canceled Tuesday.ĭecisions regarding Friday will be made later this week and shared via Skylert messaging, social media channels and local media. Kevin Christian, the school district spokesman, stated in a press release that Tuesday will be a regular school day. However, West Port High School will switch to virtual learning so the school can transition into a special needs shelter. “We do not want to be put in a situation where we are transporting children during high wind,” said Cummings, adding buses cannot be used when wind speeds reach above tropical storm force of 35 mph. Also, Marion County Emergency Management needs to set up the shelters well before the storm arrives. He said the decision to close the school district on Wednesday was just in case wind speed tops 35 mph and pose a threat to high-profile buses on roadways. The statement stated: "A turn toward the north-northwest and north is expected during the next day or so as the hurricane moves around the western extent of a mid-level ridge." The National Hurricane Center states in its discussion that Ian continues to move northwest in the Caribbean Sea toward Cuba at 13 mph. Ian could dump as much as a foot of rain on Marion County and areas west of Ocala could get 45 mph wind gusts as Ian heads north. Since warm water is needed for hurricanes to strengthen, experts also believe the cooler water north of Tampa will also help deescalate the storm.īut that does not mean that this part of Florida would be out of the woods if that scenario pans out. Officials say high-level wind sheer may lop off the high cloud tops, or what is called wind sheer. Ian may weaken after skirting north of Tampa. Ian is expected to be packing 140 mph wind as it approaches Tampa. Thursday as Category 1 hurricane and then skirting the western Marion County line as it heads north. The National Hurricane Center uses the middle of all those model runs, which places Ian’s landfall near south of Cedar Key at about 2 p.m. Where will Hurricane Ian make landfall in Florida? Computer models used by the National Hurricane Center show landfall will be anywhere from Panama City to Sarasota. The timing of when Ian may threaten the Tampa area, and subsequently Marion County, is still evolving. “That's the safest bet for everyone and it could help us to save lives.” “I think it's just extremely important that we reiterate to the public, as we always do, if you don't need to be out on the road after the storm, do not go out,” Commissioner Kathy Bryant said.
View Gallery: Florida braces for Hurricane Ian as storm strengthens The news comes as it remains uncertain where Ian will make landfall. Tracy Straub, assistant county administrator, noted that after wind speeds hit about 30 mph most road-clearing teams and other staff will be grounded until it is safe for them to be back on the streets and highways.ĭuring the storm, and immediately after Ian passes, officials urge residents not to leave their homes, especially if power lines are down and trees are in roadways. Marion County officials addressed the commission, stating that the early stages of their emergency plan is up and running. The emergency declaration states it “is in the best interests of the citizens of Marion County to activate emergency management preparations in advance of Hurricane Ian in order to minimize the hazards and damage that may be created by such storm.” Ian photos: Ian projected to become major hurricane soon.
The latest on Ian: Ian reaches hurricane strength, could become 'catastrophic' Category 4 storm targeting Floridaīe prepared: 'Mother Nature ultimately decides' where a hurricane will go, and Marion County should prepare Monday during a special meeting to address Hurricane Ian, which is strengthening in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to cross Cuba and head north toward Florida’s west coast, near Tampa. The Marion County Commission declared a state of emergency at 2 p.m. The predicted path has Ian making landfall just north of Tampa, and south of Cedar Key, and skirting Marion's western county line. Monday, Marion County was placed under a tropical storm watch. Marion County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday and Thursday so emergency officials can open designated school shelters both for local citizens and for Floridians fleeing from the west coast as Hurricane Ian approaches.Īt 5 p.m. Watch Video: Hurricane Ian strengthening, expected to make landfall in Florida this week
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