High winds, tornado action down trees in Wausau area

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WAUSAU – The tornado reported heading across Washington County in mid-afternoon and accompanying high winds took down trees in the Wausau area. Firefighters were working on dirt roads to clear trees.

Wausau City Clerk Margaret Riley said there was little if any damage to the town when the storm came through, but crews from Wausau and Sunny Hills fire departments fanned out around town to Ben, Sylvania and Ferguson roads to check on damage and clear trees.

Power crews were out as well repairing damage to lines from the heavy winds.

Lynne Jordan of Washington County Emergency Operations Center said more barricades were on the way from Florida Department of Transportation.

“The Washington County Public Works Department asks that all residence stay off the roadways until the Road Department and Emergency personnel can assess damage,” Jordan said. “Trees and down power lines are covering roadways in several areas. Rains have caused roadways to be under water.

“The rains we have been experiencing throughout the day are expected to continue into evening hours with the potential for more thunderstorms and severe weather.”

Chipley flooding

Large sections of Chipley were flooded Thursday afternoon as the drainage system backed up from the heavier-than-expected rain during the day.

Streets around town flooded as city crews were putting up barricades. Roads around First Baptist Church were flooded, and the church’s buses were even in danger as the water rose rapidly.

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Central Panhandle Chapter American Red Cross Seeking Donations Of Bottled Water

Panama City, FL - Ongoing relief operations associated with area flooding have depleted the Central Panhandle Chapter's stock of bottled water.  Many in the affected areas are going to find that their well water is contaminated by flood water and unsafe to drink.  As flood waters begin to recede, the need for clean drinking water will become even more critical.  The local Red Cross is asking for your help! 

If you would like to help, you can drop off your donation of bottled water at the Red Cross located at 430 E. 15th Street in Panama City. 

The Central Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross is not a government agency and receives no government funding.  Assistance to local disaster victims is made possible by local contributions.  If you would like to help local disaster victims please call the Red Cross at 850-763-6587 or go to http://www.redcrosscpc.org