STRONG STORM

Severe thunderstorms hit Jasper County Tuesday evening, with the brunt of the winds and damage occurring in Turtle Cove. Some trees were also downed in Hillsboro, but most of the damage was in the lake area. Emergency responders and employees with the Jasper County Public Works Department (PWD) were called out to remove trees from blocked roads and in some cases to free trapped people.

In addition, at least one accident was reported when a car swerved to avoid a tree. Volunteers spent nearly four hours cutting trees from the road and responding to reports of limbs and/or electrical lines down. This giant oak fell across Turtle Cove Trailway blocking the road. Melissa Slocumb, Jasper County Emergency Management Director, said that it appears 30-40 trees were downed by the storm. According to reports, power outages were not widespread.