A tornado watch is in effect until later today and a flood watch is in effect until tomorrow across Marion County as emergency personnel work to repair downed power lines and remove trees and debris at several sites in Ocala and surrounding areas.
Ocala Electric Utility crews are working to restore power to several parts of the city this morning.
Just before 9 a.m., the organization provided photos of a tree downed on a power line that produced an outage at SW 5th Street, near Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School.
“Crews are actively working to restore power” to that area, according to OEU.
Just after 8 a.m., crews began work on downed power lines at the intersection of NE 14th St and NE 23rd Ave.
“Our crews are actively working to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Please avoid the area and stay clear of any downed lines,” reads a statement from OEU.
Do you have photos of storm debris or damage? Share your photos by contacting us.
As of 9:30 a.m., there are still several thousand individuals without power in Ocala and across Marion County.
Readers across Reddick, Anthony, Dunnellon, Belleview, and Summerfield have all reported outages.
Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida earlier this morning and is currently moving slowly across the Florida Big Bend.
As of 8 a.m., the storm has maximum sustained winds of about 75 mph, having slightly weakened since 5 a.m. when winds were over 80 mph.
There is currently a tornado watch in effect until 4 p.m. today, and a flood watch is in effect until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane is producing “life-threatening storm surge in portions of Florida” and major flooding across the southeastern United States.
To report a power outage, call one of the following numbers:
- Ocala Electric Utility – 352-351-6666
- Duke Energy – 800-228-8485
- SECO – 352-237-4107
- Clay Electric – 888-434-9844
- Withlacoochee River Electric – 352-795-4382
If your property has sustained damage due to Hurricane Debby, residents are encouraged to take photographs and document the damage as safely as possible. Make emergency repairs such as covering broken windows and damaged roofs and, if the home is uninhabitable, seek safe lodging elsewhere. To report damage to the Marion County Property Appraiser, file a report at the Marion County Property Appraiser Damage Assessment website or call 352-368-8300.
