JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Damage reports came flooding in Friday afternoon and into the evening hours, as Hurricane Matthew continued pounding the state.
In the St. Augustine area, close to State Road 16 and Interstate 95, Lynnsey Gardner came across a tree that had split in half and fallen on top of a boat. It happened not far from the outlet mall in the area.
Branches from the tree might have hit other boats, as well. It was hard to see, given the weather conditions. Additionally, power lines littered the ground, making it hard to access the area safely.
Gardner reported feeling exceptionally strong wind gusts, even that far inland. The damage reports extended well beyond the beaches, she said.
Not many drivers were out, as emergency officials had stressed the need for people to stay off the roads and evacuate from the area.
In St. Nicholas, drivers were also told to stay off the roads. Reporter Elizabeth Campbell went on TV live from a church on Atlantic Street, west of Linden.
The strong winds whipping through the region had caused the church steeple to topple. The steeple could be seen leaning on the building.
Fortunately, an area fire station sits across the street from the church, and fire officials said they would keep an eye on the steeple. For now, they said, there’s nothing they can do — but if the steeple comes off the building, they’ll take action.
Firefighters would want the steeple out of the way, so it doesn’t fly around in the strong winds. The gusts felt very strong, Campbell added, saying she had to brace herself not to fall over.
Debris was spotted flying around when the winds picked up. Power was out in St. Nicholas, as well.
In Arlington, new reporter Destiny McKeiver reported on a fence that slammed into an apartment complex near Matthews Bridge, not far from the Crab Pot restaurant.
No businesses were open. McKeiver said she and her photographer were trying to find a gas station to fuel up, but it’s been a challenge.
Shops and stores along Arlington Road are boarded up, making the area look like a wet, windy ghost town.
Everywhere you look, there’s some type of damage, McKeiver said, noting that she’s spotted debris and trees in the roadway.
The winds are “crazy” and there’s low visibility as well, the reporter added. Drivers in the region should have no reason to remain outside.
It was a similar story for reporter Vic Micolucci, who was investigating the situation in Jacksonville Beach. The area experienced heavy flooding.
An aerial view showed Mother Nature seemingly trying to let the ocean take back the beach, the News4Jax team commented.
Winds were going about 80 miles per hour, Micolucci said. He saw many trees topple, along with a NAPA Auto Parts sign and several fences. Stop signs appeared to be next.
He reported from a parking garage in between First and Second streets, and watched as waves crashed ashore.
Some houses were seen with water up to their doors. Waves were in the streets, as well.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the beach will likely remain closed Saturday, and people who evacuated from the area did the right thing. They might not be able to return any time soon.
Micolucci couldn’t see the end of the Jacksonville Pier due to the waves, but did note that the Casa Marina Hotel — which has a top-floor balcony and canopy for its bar and restaurant — had severe damage, with items dangling off the upper level.
Conditions at the beach looked breathtaking and heart-breaking at the same time. It’s incredible to see the fury of the storm, the reporter said.
However, Micolucci said, some onlookers and cars have remained in the area. Even police and firefighters have left — sticking around isn’t safe, in what’s been called the “storm of the century.”
“It’s just a bad situation out here,” Micolucci said.
Atlantic and Neptune beaches are seeing just as much damage.
People who sheltered in place were smart to do so. Many buildings, including beach homes, took a hit.
Many in the area hoped Friday evening the storm would keep moving along its projected path, so that the damage didn’t reach catastrophic levels.