Severe weather throughout Marion County on Saturday morning has caused structural and vehicle damages, traffic light outages, and lane closures.

The severe weather began affecting Marion County shortly after 8 a.m. Near the 3900 block of State Road 200 in Ocala, multiple buildings and vehicles were damaged after a tornado touched down. Additional building damage was also reported at Saddlewood Green Apartments (SW 2901 41st Street).

Tornado damages buildings and vehicles on SR 200
Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department
Tornado damages buildings and vehicles on SR 200 2
Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department
Tornado damages buildings and vehicles on SR 200 3
Photo courtesy of the Ocala Police Department

According to OPD, all lanes on State Road 200, from SW 38th Court to SW 43rd Street Road, are currently blocked.

Ocala Fire Rescue emergency responders and utility crews have been dispatched to help address the influx of emergency calls throughout southwest Ocala. These are some of the sites that OFR crews are currently working on:

Severe weather causes structural damages and lane closures throughout Marion County 7
Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue
Severe weather causes structural damages and lane closures throughout Marion County 5
Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue
Severe weather causes structural damages and lane closures throughout Marion County 6
Photo courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue

The Florida Highway Patrol reported a crash involving two tractor trailers that were traveling northbound on I-75 at State Road 200 earlier this morning. The crash temporarily blocked all lanes.

Severe weather causes structural damages and lane closures throughout Marion County 1
Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol
Severe weather causes structural damages and lane closures throughout Marion County
Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol

According to an FHP update, all lanes of I-75 have reopened. The off-ramp for exit 350/State Road 200 remains closed.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is currently on-scene at multiple areas due to reports of severe weather damage. MCSO is currently aware of the following incidents throughout the county:

  • The westbound exit lane of the Stone Creek Subdivision (SW 89th Court Road) is blocked by several fallen trees.
  • The entrance to the El Dorado Subdivision (SW 24th Avenue Road) is completely blocked with reports of structural damage.
  • Throughout the Dunnellon area, there are reports of fallen trees blocking roadways and traffic light outages.

All drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution and to move over for first responders and work crews.

To keep safe, residents should monitor local weather alerts for sudden changes and prepare to take shelter immediately.