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Storms Down Trees, Power Lines; Driver Hits Downed Tree; Lightning Sparks House Fire
June 18, 2016
A line of storms that moved through the area Friday evening left behind downed trees and power lines.
In Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Gulf Power reported about 5,750 customers without power. As of 1 a.m. Saturday, nearly 700 customers were still without power in over 50 scattered outages. Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported about 1,000 customers without power in scattered outages following the storm.
Downed trees also blocked several roadways, including Highway 4A near Century, Meadows Road in Davisville and Molino Road. On Highway 4A west of Broomes Road near Century, the driver of a pickup truck plowed into a downed tree across the roadway.
Santa Rosa County reported a house fire in the 3700 block of North Simmons Road that was caused by lightning. The Jay, Allentown, Berrydale and Flomaton fire departments responded. The fire was quickly brought under control with minimal damage.
There were no storm related injuries and no major structural damage reported in the North Escambia area.
A wind gust of 60 mph was reported by an official weather station in Atmore.
Pictured top: The driver of this pickup ran into a downed tree on Highway 4A near Broomes Road. Reader submitted photo by Aaron James. Pictured below: A tree and downed powerlines on Meadows Road near Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
3 Responses to “Storms Down Trees, Power Lines; Driver Hits Downed Tree; Lightning Sparks House Fire”
May I suggest that when someone see a dangerous condition like these trees and limbs near power lines to please take the time to report it to Gulf Power or EREC. I have found that they really do need and appreciate the input from public and it helps yourself, neighbors and members of the community and drivers accelerating through the area. I have reported street lights out on an map online. I used to think and wait and hope the people that work there would notice but realize its MY responsibility and it is actually satisfying and empowering to get involved and it works!! Same with mosquito control. Report it!
I see many trees with huge Limbs hanging over the Streets, usually close enough to Wires to bring the Wires down in a strong wind storm. I know Gulf Power has a lot of area to cover but when their Men are out and about doing regular maintenence they could make notes concerning problem Trees and submit them to Gulf Power. It is evident from last nights Storm that when and if we have a Tropical Storm or Hurricane we are going to be in deep trouble. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure right?
If you look closely at the pictures of downed trees most all of them are damaged from rot at the point of failure. If you have big trees around your house check them out for decay/damage. Call a tree expert to check the tree most will not charge to come out and look.