Severe weather in northern Santa Rosa County caused damage to a total of eight structures this morning and is estimated at $100,000.

  According to a news release from Santa Rosa County, the damage included:

 

Bell Creek Road

• Residence 1:  Major Damage- 30 percent of roof destroyed.  Uninhabitable due to heavy water damage throughout structure.  Multiple trees down and debris throughout yard from roofing components. Damage to fifth wheel RV from roofing components. Building inspections going to site.
• Residence 2:  Minor Damage-damage to siding on house.
• Residence 3:  Minor Damage-damage to eaves of house and small tree against house.  Roof damage to workshop.
• Residence 4:  Minor Damage-damage to siding and eaves of mobile home.
• Residence 5:  Major Damage-damage to rear second story roof from large tree on house.  Some structural damage to roof components.

  2000 Block of Farm Road

• Residence 1:  Minor Damage-some shingles blown off, broken window, pump and pump house destroyed, boat damaged.
• Residence 2:  Minor Damage-some shingles blown off, porch damaged, siding damaged, pump and shed damaged.

  2600 Block of New York Street

• Residence 1: Minor Damage-damage to roof of shed

 

Severe Weather Tips

Severe weather is possible for the remainder of the day and early tomorrow. Road flooding, severe thunderstorms, straight line winds and tornadoes are possible. Please monitor your home weather radio and local media outlets for the most up-to-date information. As people are often asleep after midnight and cannot receive weather warnings relayed by commercial radio or television stations, night time tornadoes are particularly dangerous. Your best defense is a NOAA Weather radio. If a warning is issued, move to an interior room. If shelter is not available, lie in a ditch or low-lying area. 

 

Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads. If you must drive, please follow the following safety tips:

1.  The number one rule of rainy weather driving is to slow down. Oil deposits on the road become slippery when combined with rain. The slower you go, the more traction you’ll have. Be extra careful at intersections where oil deposits are typically greatest.

2.  Leave extra space between you and the driver in front of you. It takes more time to stop your car in wet weather.

3.  Use your headlights. Not only do they help you see better, but they also help oncoming drivers see your vehicle.

4.  Avoid standing water. Not only is it difficult to judge the depth of standing water, but the water could also be covering a pot hole which could damage your car.

5.  Stay in the center lanes where the road is highest and avoid lane changes. Water pools tend to collect along the curb and between lanes. The deeper the water, the harder it is to maintain control of your vehicle.

6.  Take special care when following or passing trucks. Trucks can generate a large spray, making it difficult to see the road and other vehicles.

7. Slow down by either taking your foot off the accelerator or braking lightly. Always avoid having to come to a quick stop.

 

For more tips on what to do before, during and after disasters, visit the county’s Web site at www.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency/disasterprep.html.