Gulf Coast storm damage after Friday’s severe weather (Photos)
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — There are several reports of damage following last night’s severe weather, News 5 has learned.
This is a running list of damage reports in the News 5 coverage area. This list will be updated as reports come in.
Adjusted hours for some schools following severe weather (List)
Storm Damage Reports
(4:28 p.m.): Okaloosa County Emergency Management gave a summary of Friday morning’s storm.
OCEA is still waiting to hear back from the National Weather Service in Mobile about whether a tornado can be confirmed to have happened.
“Severe weather began affecting the County at about 3:30 a.m. when the first Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued,” the OCEA summary said. “A complex Meso Convective System (MCS Bow-Echo/Derecho) was heading toward Okaloosa County from Santa Rosa County packing 70 mph straight-line winds and frequent lightning.”
Okaloosa County Emergency Management said radar indicated rotation moving southeast into Okaloosa County through Baker, crossing State Road 189 near Dairy Road and Holloway Road continuing southeast across State Road 85 into Crestview and exiting Okaloosa County into Walton County.
“Other smaller rotation couplets were noted in Holt near Griffith Mill Rd and in the Gulf of Mexico,” the summary said.
“These events, combined with obvious straight-line winds, resulted in many reports of damage to homes and other structures by falling limbs, falling trees, lofted debris and sheer force of the wind.”
(12:45 p.m.): News 5’s Asher Redd shares these photos at McNally Park in Mobile, where Thursday’s storm apparently uprooted a tree.
(10:58 a.m.): Santa Rosa County released the latest on the road conditions in the county.
The following roadways are open though they have hazards, according to the release. Drivers are advised to use “extreme caution.”
Highway 4 between Highway 87 and Munson County (Note: the road is passable with “extreme caution.”)
Highway 87 North at Whitfield Road
Sheridan Drive
Lee Hill Road
Lewis Road
Hamilton Bridge at Burt Lane
Buddy Hardy Road
Bud Diamond Road
Greenwood Road
Ventura Road at Garcon Point
Booker Street
Glover Lane
Chumuckla Highway at Spring Street
West Spencer Field at Twelve Oaks Drive
Ten Mile Road at Wallace Lake Road
(10:20 a.m.): Officials with the City of Pensacola shared a storm damage report following last night’s severe weather.
Here are the details, according to officials:
A tree fell on a residence in the 1800 block of W. Gadsden Street. One person was rescued and taken to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services.
The traffic signal at the intersection of Bayou Boulevard and Buffalo Wild Wings/AMC Movie Theatre Shopping Center is malfunctioning.
Tree limbs are reported down at 9th Avenue and Beau Terra Lane along with 4445 Devereux Drive.
Tree limbs are down at 18th Avenue Jackson Street and Magnolia Avenue and Lakeview Avenue.
Officials also said that there have been “multiple incidents” of debris in roadways and downed powerlines. Public Works crews are working to resolve issues, according to the release.
(9:45 a.m.): A tree is down at McNally Park and Park Road in Mobile, News 5 has learned.
In Escambia County, power lines are down on Highway 97 in the Walnut Hill area.
Orange Beach Police officers said, “Probably straight line winds pushed through and damaged Bella Luna condominium. Tore some balcony railings and damaged some vehicles,” regarding damage in the area.
The Rocky Creek Catfish House in George County also experienced damage overnight.
(8:12 a.m.): “Extensive damage has been reported throughout the City of Crestview,” according to a press release from the city.
Officials say that citizens are “strongly advised” to avoid traveling on the roads as there are reports of trees obstructing roadways that pose hazards to motorists.
“In the interest of safety, it is crucial for all citizens to remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” the release stated.
“We’ve experienced significant storm damage; it is concentrated north of the Highway
85 and 90 intersections,” said City Manager, Tim Bolduc. “For your safety, please stay off the road as there are trees down all over town.”
Emergency services and public service crews are working to clear the debris and restore access to the roadways, according to the release.
(8:03 a.m.): Santa Rosa County officials released a list of road closures due to storm damage.
The following roadways are partially closed, according to a press release.
Highway 87 North at Whitfield Road
Sheridan Drive full
Lee Hill Road
Lewis Road
Hamilton Bridge at Bert Lane
Buddy Hardy Road
Greenwood Road
Ventura Road at Garcon Point
Booker Street
Glover Lane
Chumuckla Highway at Springhill Road
West Spencer Field at 12 Oaks
10 Mile Road at Wallace Lake Road
Ventura Road
Officials ask drivers to use caution and use alternate routes when possible.
“Do NOT drive around barricades,” the release notes. “Never cross a flooded roadway. There is no way to tell how deep the water is or if the road has been compromised.
“Crews are working to reopen the roadways, again, please use caution if you must be on the roads.”
As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, News 5 has learned of the following reports:
(5:53 a.m.): A tree fell on a car in Saraland, a viewer told News 5. Amy Davis sent the newsroom photos of the damage. The photos show a blue car with a cracked windshield and bent door underneath a tree.
(4:23 a.m.): Multiple trees and power lines have been reported down on SR 97 between Walnut Hill and Davisville. The roadway is closed, according to authorities.
(3:54 a.m.): Baldwin County EMA released the following statement following last night’s storms:
“Multiple reports of trees/debris in the roadway on HWY 31 between mm 23 – 28, Debris in the roadway on AL 225 near MM 8, and trees down at the intersection of Baldwin Beach Express and Oakdale Dr.”
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