Damage reported in Verbena, Mountain Creek area

Published 10:36 pm Friday, March 2, 2012

No injuries have been reported as of midnight from storm damage Friday night in Verbena, according to 911 and Emergency Management Agency officials.

Multiple homes were damaged about 10 p.m., at county roads 524 and 526, just off Highway 31.

County 911 Director Dan Wright said the residents apparently trapped in a damaged home off 524 are OK, and that a camper trailer that overturned off Highway 31 was found empty. Rescue personnel on the scene were told the occupant had left before the storm hit.

Sheriff Kevin Davis reported some structural damage, along U.S. 31 and County Roads 524, 526 and 528. He said numerous trees and power lines are down in the area.

Emergency responders are still trying to determine if the storm caused any injuries.

“(As of midnight), we have not had any injuries or transported anyone to the hospital,” Davis said.

U.S. 31 was closed after the storms came through but has since reopened to at least one lane of traffic, Davis said.

County EMA Director Bill Collum said numerous trees and power lines are also down near Midway church, off 31.

The damage reported was south of Verbena High School and north of Confederate Memorial Park.

The public is advised to stay away from damaged areas so as to not hinder the work of rescue personnel.

Check back overnight Friday and Saturday morning for updates on this story. Assistant Managing Editor Stephen Dawkins contributed to this report.