LAKE CITY, Fla. — The sound of chainsaws and large machinery could be heard across Columbia County Friday as the community began the long process of cleaning up.
The worst of Hurricane Helene hit the county around 11 p.m. Thursday and did not let up until the early morning hours Friday. At one point, the power was out for 99% of the county.
Tim Fowler lives in Lake City and could hear the wind picking up late Thursday night. His power went out and then he heard a crash.
"When we came outside, the tree was laying on the side of the house," Fowler told First Coast News.
His family left during the storm to find a safer place to stay. Now, they are figuring out what to do next.
“How do we get back on our feet? How do we get back to somewhat normal?" Fowler said.
Across town, Ray was also up listening to the storm rattling his home. He said he could hear trees coming down around his house and then a loud noise; a tree landed on his neighbor's home.
“We could hear all the cracking and the trees coming down. I was up at 5 a.m. with a flashlight to look at the damage," Ray said.
His community is now without power and water, and he does not know when those utilities will be restored.
"Anything over three days, it gets to be too intense," Ray said. "Without water, you can’t really do much."
People across the county are feeling similar effects. County leaders said the damage was widespread with many power lines and trees down. Traffic lights were also out across Lake City.
Crews are still assessing the damage and working to restore power. The National Guard is also on the ground to help with the clean-up process. County leaders are asking for patience during these efforts.
There are still emergency shelters open. Those are the Winfield Community Center, Fort White Community Center, Deep Creek Community Center, Richardson Community Center, and Shands Lake Shore HRIM.
The Columbia County Landfill will also be opening seven days a week starting at 7 a.m. Saturday for people to drop off their organic debris. Private citizens can do so for free.