ATHENS —
Heavy rain and wind downed trees, branches and power lines in Athens and parts of Limestone County at around 4 p.m. Wednesday, leaving police, firefighters, streets and utilities crews inundated with calls.
Emergency personnel were still clearing trees and restoring power at press time. At one point, about 3,000 people were without power. About 580 customers scattered around Limestone County were without power by 7 p.m., said Athens Utilities Customer Relations Manager Amy Golden.
Warning of potential flash flooding in Limestone County foreshadowed what was to come.
No one was injured, but roof damage was reported at Athens Bible School. Roads across Athens flooded, prompting a police officer to temporarily close Hobbs Street at Athens State University after about a foot of water had accumulated.
A roof fire was reported at a home on Pepper Road, which firefighters from Tower 10 and Station 2 extinguished. Athens Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Thornton said lightning caused the fire, which was contained to the roof area.
A limb on Crestview Street fell on a service line and ripped the weathervane from a home causing a minor house fire there.
Thornton said trees and limbs fell on homes and cars in the North Jefferson Street area.
Here is a roundup of some of the damage reported via emergency scanner traffic:
• Tree in the road at North Jefferson Street;
• Tree down at Lucas Street;
• Utility crew was repairing power pole on East Elm Street after lines fell;
• Natural gas leak reported in 1800 block Hine Street;
• Trees and power lines down on Alabama 99;
• Flames and smoke showing on electrical lines on Peachtree and Crestview streets;
• Man-hole cover off at Big Spring Park at North Beaty Street
• Tree down on house at Crutcher Circle.
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