BREAKING: Taylor receives ‘severe’ damage from Hermine (UPDATED)

Posted on September 2, 2016

UPDATE: 9:25 a.m.

According to Taylor County emergency officials, checkpoints have been established outside coastal communities restricting access to those areas in the wake of Hurricane Hermine.

Currently, no one is being allowed into Steinhatchee. Emergency responders are conducting search and rescue efforts as well as damage assessments.

Residents in Deckle Beach, Cedar Island, Dark Island and portions of Keaton Beach are being allowed back in as long as they have re-entry passes or a drivers license showing their address.

Officials said they have not had anything “significant” reported in the Spring Warrior area aside from downed trees.

In the City of Perry, there was a house fire on Third Street, although officials have not yet determined if it was storm related.

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Reports of flooded homes, overnight rescues and widespread power outages are greeting Taylor County residents as they wake up amongst the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine.

“The Taylor County Coast has sustained severe damage as a result of Hurricane Hermine,” County Administrator Dustin Hinkel said in a statement early friday.

“The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office will be setting up checkpoints near Keaton Beach, Dekle Beach, and Steinhatchee to restrict the flow of traffic into the most affected areas. Law Enforcement and emergency personnel will be assessing the areas as soon as possible and will allow residents to re-enter the area as soon as the areas are deemed safe.”

According to the National Hurricane center, Hermine made landfall around 1:30 a.m. near St. Marks with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

 

 

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