Marion County officials preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa to reach area on Tuesday

Officials with the Marion County Division of Emergency Management are preparing for Tropical Storm Elsa to hit the area by Tuesday evening. 

According to the National Hurricane Center, Elsa is currently on pace to reach Florida’s gulf coast by Tuesday evening. The storm will travel along the northwestern portion of the state through the early morning hours and afternoon on Wednesday, with projections showing the eye of storm reaching Georgia by Wednesday evening. 

The projections estimate that by Wednesday evening, the storm should be downgraded to a tropical depression.

Sandbag operations began Monday for residents in western portions of Marion County at the following locations: 

Souls Harbor Church at 11808 N. Ohio Street, Dunnellon, Florida 34431

Martel Recycling Center at 296 SW 67th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474. 

Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes by securing outdoor furniture and items such as trampolines.

There are no anticipated shelter openings at this time. Residents that live in western portions of Marion County and live in an RV or manufactured housing are encouraged to seek shelter in site-built housing. 

Emergency Management will be opening its citizen information lines at 8:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 6th, to help answer any questions the public may have. That number is 352-369-7500.