JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Bartram Park area saw some of the worst damage from strong winds Tuesday that knocked down trees and damaged fences and properties, particularly in the Greenbrier subdivision. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed Wednesday that it was caused by an EF-0 tornado.
There was also extensive damage to properties in Neptune Beach, and at least one large tree toppled on Losco Road in Mandarin.
At least four tornadoes had already been reported around the state.
According to JEA, the peak number of customer outages Tuesday was around 4:50 p.m. when 9,092 customers were without power. The utility said that number had dropped to less than 3,500 by 4:55 p.m.
JEA said that by about 6 p.m., they had less than 100 power outages reported. Altogether, the utility said 14,287 customers were affected by outages on Tuesday.
In Greenbrier, crews started cleaning up the mess Tuesday night.
Several large trees fell or were split in half during the storm, and light posts in the neighborhood were ripped out of the ground.
Residents said they could hear the winds whipping as the storm passed and this is the some of the worst storm damage they’ve seen in years.
“I heard a sound like a roaring sound,” B.J. Bennett said.
Crews used chainsaws and other equipment to remove limbs and take the trees apart, piece by piece.
Photos also showed damage to the inside of a townhome with objects strewn about in the front living space.
The neighbors said the wind is what told the story of how serious the weather event was.
“I started hearing the wind, and it was scary,” CeCe Evans said. “It happened so fast. Five minutes after the tornado warning.”
Five minutes after the tornado warning was issued for Duval County, Lori Cardey and her dog retreated to her bathroom for safety. While they were sheltering for safety, a strong wind blew out the front glass door.
“I was scared to death, to be honest,” Cardey said. “It’s very nerve-wracking.”
There were no reports of any injuries in the area.
