Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Marion County, Florida
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for south central Marion County, Florida, as a dangerous thunderstorm moves through the area. Residents should prepare for 60 MPH wind gusts, hail up to 0.75 inches in diameter, torrential rainfall, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
The storm was located near Santos, approximately 10 miles south of Ocala, and is moving northwest at 5 MPH.
Areas Included in the Warning
Communities impacted by this severe thunderstorm include:
- Santos
- Bellview
- Summerfield
Additional nearby locations may also experience severe weather as the storm continues moving northwest.
Main Hazards
This storm is capable of producing:
- Wind gusts up to 60 MPH
- Hail up to 0.75 inches
- Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning
- Torrential rainfall
- Localized flash flooding
Strong winds can damage roofs, siding, fences, and trees while creating hazardous driving conditions. Even smaller hail can damage vehicles, gardens, and outdoor property.
Dangerous Lightning Threat
Continuous cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike well away from heavy rain and remains one of nature’s deadliest weather hazards.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move indoors immediately and remain inside until at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.
Heavy Rain May Cause Flash Flooding
Torrential rainfall may quickly overwhelm drainage systems and produce flooding on roads, low-lying areas, and poor drainage locations.
Motorists should never attempt to drive across flooded roadways.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Just a small amount of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
Safety Tips During the Warning
- Move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects if it is safe to do so.
- Avoid using electrical appliances during intense lightning.
- Stay off roads if flooding develops.
- Continue monitoring official weather updates until the warning expires.
Stay Weather Aware
Residents across Marion County, Florida, should remain alert as this storm continues moving northwest. Damaging winds, hail, dangerous lightning, and heavy rainfall can rapidly create hazardous conditions.
Continue to monitor trusted weather sources and be prepared to take immediate protective action if conditions worsen.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
