BRIEF: Clay County hit hard by storm; thousands of power outages reported

Feb. 08--A storm with strong winds and rain Tuesday night damaged homes and caused downed trees and power lines throughout the First Coast.

Clay County took a brunt of the damage. One person was injured and emergency officials received reports of damaged homes in the Keystone Heights, Clay Hill and Orange Park areas of the county.

The National Weather Service said there was no tornado in the county but that wind gusts exceeded 70 mph.

About 40 reports of homes damaged have been documented, according to Clay County Emergency Management. Three were destroyed and four homes were majorly damaged.

The Clay Electric Cooperative reported 12,263 customers were without power as of 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. By evening, electric authorities were still monitoring about 4,500 plus residents and businesses without power in Clay County, according to Emergency Management department.

Residents that have suffered property damage can call Emergency Management at (904) 284-7703 as well as their insurance company.

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