Citrus County schools close as emergency officials assess damage from EF-2 tornado

CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. - Classes were canceled in Citrus County for Thursday, October 12, after an EF-2 tornado touched down early Thursday morning. 

The Citrus County School District said officials assessed schools campuses on the west side of the county Thursday and classes will resume Friday, October 13. All after-school programs and extracurricular activities will also resume as regularly schedule, school officials said. 

"If your student is unable to attend school on Friday, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's school with any questions or concerns," the district said in a statement Thursday. "We know this is a difficult time for many of our families. Please join us in keeping those impacted by the storm and the entire Crystal River community in your thoughts and prayers."

Officials say the west end of the county suffered significant damage in the storms and emergency officials are in several parts of Crystal River where there are downed power lines, trees, debris and flooding. 

Images from the sheriff's office show buildings with severe damage, including one tree that had metal roofing bent around it. The photos also show large metal structures that collapsed. 

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Chris Evan, the director of Citrus County Emergency Management, said damage assessments continue. 

He said Crystal River officials marked homes that are believed to be unsafe. Those residents are asked not to return home for the time being.

On Thursday Evan said there were initial concerns with coastal flooding, but by Thursday evening, he says water had been steadily receding, and main roads had begun reopening.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter Thursday night at the West Citrus Community Center.

The United Way of Citrus County is also helping with recovery efforts. You’re encouraged to call 211 for information about housing and other recovery resources.