Schools across Marion County will remain closed on Friday due to Hurricane Helene, which had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph as of 8 a.m. this morning.
On Thursday morning, Marion County Public Schools issued a statement saying the district will remain closed on Friday due to the impact of hurricane.
“MCPS employees should remain home Friday to take care of personal needs,” reads a statement from the district. The day will be classified as an “Administrative Weather Day,” and employees will be “paid and not have to make up the day nor be required to work virtually.”
According to the district, the closure also includes Marion Technical College.
As of 8 a.m., the NHC reports that Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast this evening.
“Weakening is expected after landfall, but Helene’s fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States,” reads the advisory from NHC.
The NHC will issue its next public advisory for Hurricane Helene at 11 a.m.
Check back on Ocala-News.com for more updates on Hurricane Helene in the coming hours.