Powerful storms lashed Northeast Florida, causing significant damage, including the collapse of a gas station awning in Hilliard, with several counties reporting widespread impacts.
HILLIARD, Fla. — On Monday, severe thunderstorms battered Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, unleashing heavy downpours and fierce winds that left a trail of destruction in their wake.
In Nassau County, the intense winds were strong enough to knock down the large awning at a Sunoco gas station in Hilliard, much to the shock of local residents who were taken aback by the severity of the storm’s damage.
Destiny Carroll, a resident living directly across from the gas station, recounted her surprise when she noticed a crowd gathering outside.
“I saw people gathering and wondered what was happening. I stepped out of my car in disbelief,” Carroll remarked. “This structure has withstood numerous hurricanes, so seeing it toppled by the wind like this is astonishing.”
Carroll also spoke of the torrential rain that accompanied the storm, describing the downpour as particularly intense.
“The rain is just coming down so hard. I can’t even see two feet in front of me. It was absolutely insane. No one could see where they were on the road,” she said.
The Sunoco sits at the corner of County Road 108 and Indiana Avenue in Hilliard, an area surrounded by neighborhoods and schools.
An employee at the station told First Coast News the awning collapsed around 11 a.m. Monday. No injuries were reported.
Despite the damage, the gas station remained busy throughout the day with regular customers stopping by, including Devin Dawley, who lives nearby.
“I mean, it’s kinda crazy. I didn’t know the wind was that bad,” Dawley said.
The storms moved quickly across the First Coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to multiple counties.
In Flagler County, strong winds were reported in the Dupont area, reducing visibility on roadways. In Clay County, heavy rain moved through Fleming Island.
Bradford County Fire Rescue reported responding to several calls about downed trees and power lines.
The severe weather also caused damage in Duval County, where trees were knocked down near Bowden Road.
Officials have not reported any storm-related injuries.
