Hurricane Preparedness in Ocala, Florida

BeforeWhen a Hurricane Watch or Warning Is Issued

DuringWhile the Storm Passes

• Stay indoors in an interior room away from windows and exterior doors
• Do not go outside during the eye of the storm -- dangerous conditions return quickly
• Monitor weather radio for tornado warnings (common in outer rain bands)
• If flooding occurs, move to the highest floor of your home and do not walk or drive through floodwater
• If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food (a closed freezer can keep food safe for 48 hours)

AfterPost-Storm Safety

• Wait for official all-clear before going outside -- downed power lines are a serious hazard
• Avoid driving on flooded roads -- six inches of moving water can knock you down, and two feet can carry away a vehicle
• Photograph all property damage for insurance claims before making temporary repairs
• Run generators outdoors only -- carbon monoxide poisoning kills more people after storms than the storms themselves
• Boil water for drinking and cooking until the local utility confirms the water supply is safe
• Report downed power lines to Duke Energy or Ocala Electric and stay at least 35 feet away

Is Ocala at risk for hurricanes?

Yes. Although Ocala is approximately 40 miles inland from the Gulf Coast, hurricanes and tropical storms regularly affect Marion County. The primary threats are high winds, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, and tornadoes spawned by the storm's outer bands. Ocala does not face direct ocean storm surge, but the city has experienced significant damage from Hurricane Irma (2017), Hurricane Ian (2022), and other storms. Marion County's dense tree canopy also increases the risk of falling trees and extended power outages during hurricane-force winds.

Does Marion County have mandatory evacuation zones?

Marion County does not have coastal evacuation zones because it is an inland county. However, the Marion County Emergency Management office may issue voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders for specific areas at risk of flooding, particularly near the Oklawaha River, Withlacoochee River, low-lying areas, and mobile home communities. During major storms, residents in manufactured homes and flood-prone areas are strongly encouraged to seek safer shelter regardless of whether a formal evacuation order is issued.

Where are hurricane shelters located in Marion County?

Marion County designates public schools and community facilities as emergency shelters. Common shelter locations include North Marion High School, Vanguard High School, Forest High School, and West Port High School. A pet-friendly shelter is typically opened at one location. Special needs shelters are available for residents with medical requirements, but pre-registration through Marion County Emergency Management is required. Shelter openings are announced through local media and the Marion County Emergency Management website when a storm threatens the area.

What should I include in a hurricane supply kit for Ocala?

The recommended hurricane supply kit for Marion County residents includes at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of seven days, non-perishable food for seven days, a manual can opener, prescription medications for at least two weeks, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, important documents in a waterproof container, cash in small bills, a full tank of gas in your vehicle, phone chargers and portable power banks, and personal hygiene items. Marion County's inland location means power restoration after a major storm can take one to three weeks in some neighborhoods due to tree damage on power lines.

How long does hurricane season last in Florida?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. The peak of hurricane season occurs from mid-August through mid-October, when sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are warmest. September is historically the most active month. Marion County residents should have their hurricane plans and supplies in place before June 1 each year, as storms can develop quickly and forecasts may not provide more than a few days of advance warning.

Should I get a generator for hurricane season in Ocala?

A generator is highly recommended for Marion County residents. Power outages during and after hurricanes are common in Ocala due to the area's heavy tree canopy and above-ground power line infrastructure. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, some Marion County neighborhoods were without power for over two weeks. Portable generators ($500 to $1,500) can power essential appliances, while whole-house standby generators ($6,000 to $15,000 installed) provide automatic backup power. Regardless of type, always operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas and never inside a home or enclosed garage due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

What makes hurricanes different in Ocala compared to coastal Florida?

Because Ocala is inland, the primary hurricane threats differ from those on the coast. Marion County does not experience direct ocean storm surge, which is the deadliest hazard in coastal areas. Instead, the main risks are sustained high winds (hurricanes weaken as they move inland but can still produce damaging winds of 60 to 100+ mph), heavy rainfall causing inland flooding, tornadoes from the storm's outer rain bands, and widespread tree damage leading to extended power outages. Ocala's dense oak and pine canopy means that even a Category 1 hurricane can cause significant tree-related damage to homes, vehicles, and power infrastructure.