Classes are cancelled at all Marion County Public Schools on Wednesday and Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is forecast to hit the area this week.
The school district made the announcement on Sunday afternoon.
“Based on the latest weather forecasts, MCPS will close Wednesday & Thursday due to Hurricane Milton,” reads a statement from the district.
Additionally, all after-school extracurricular activities are cancelled on Tuesday.
According to the NHC, Hurricane Milton will continue to strengthen through Monday as it moves eastward across the Gulf of Mexico. It is forecast to reach Category 3 hurricane intensity as it approaches the FL Gulf Coast on Wednesday.
As of 2 p.m., Hurricane Milton has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and is moving east at 6 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Marion and dozens of other counties across the state.
The latest forecast shows that Hurricane Milton should hit the state on Wednesday after.
The following locations will open as emergency shelters in preparation for Hurricane Milton. Citizens with special dietary needs should bring a supply of food with them.
– Special Needs Shelter: West Port High School, 3733 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, will open at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Small pets are also allowed into the shelter with proper documentation.
– Pet-Friendly Shelter: Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th Street, Ocala, FL 34475, will open at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
– General Population Shelter: Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE County Road 315, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, will open at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Emergency Management Citizens Information Line:
The Marion County Emergency Management Citizen’s Information Line will open Monday, October 7, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For non-emergency inquiries related to the weather event, please call 352-369-7500. For emergencies, always dial 911.
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