Severe storms topple trees, trucks, bring winter-like temperatures back to Bay Area
TAMPA, Fla. - Some Bay Area residents are cleaning up after a line of severe storms raced through the Bay Area Saturday morning ushering in gusty winds and winter-like temperatures.
The damage was so severe in certain areas that Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Highlands, Clay, Marion and Putnam Counties.
In Bartow, a semi-truck flipped over closing a portion of Highway 98 North. Video shot by Stephen Hendrix, shows the truck lying on its side with deputies investigating.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office couldn't say for sure what caused the crash Saturday morning but says there were no reported injuries.
In Seminole, Saturday's storms toppled over a large tree, which smashed a white fence when it fell.
Just north of the Bay Area, in Ocala, multiple buildings and vehicles were damaged by a possible tornado, according to the Ocala Police Department. Photos posted on Facebook by Ocala Fire Rescue show an apartment building that appears to have had a wall ripped away. Several toppled trees and debris can be seen outside the damaged building.
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
I-75 was also closed due to several overturned semi-trucks. Despite the damage, the Ocala Police Department says there are no reported injuries.
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Courtesy: Ocala Fire Rescue
Several buildings in Highlands County also suffered wind damage in Saturday's storm. Photos posted on the county's Facebook page show scattered debris that was ripped from area homes. County crews have begun cleaning up and officials say it will be an intense process.
Courtesy: Highlands County
"Our crews have been out already helping some of the residents but is going to be intense. The good news is also some community members have been out also already helping their neighbors," stated Gloria Rybinski, Highlands County public information officer.
Courtesy: Highlands County
Temperatures began to plummet in the Bay Area as the storms moved out. Several Bay Area Counties opened cold weather shelters for those who are homeless or may not have adequate heat on Saturday night.
Even though temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s Sunday morning, meteorologists say the winter weather won't stick around. Temperatures should rise into the 70s and 80s next week.