JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cedar Key on Florida's west coast felt the brunt of Tropical Storm Elsa Wednesday as strong winds knocked over trees and powerlines throughout the city.
The fire department urged the roughly 700 residents to stay indoors and off the roads for safety as utility crews tirelessly worked to cut downed lines. Winds as high as 58 miles per hour and the saturated ground helped contribute to the downed trees and powers lines.
In addition, emergency crews also blocked off roads affected by storm surge, which rose when high tide came in after Elsa had passed through the area.
"Please, please, please do not come out at this time," the Cedar Key Fire Rescue said on Facebook. "We have some powerlines that are beginning to go down and they are hot. And the surge is starting to come in and some of the lower lying roads are being blocked off."
The department also posted several videos and pictures showing the effect the storm had on the town.
"Don’t get me wrong, Cedar Key is doing well with a few minor setbacks," the department said on Facebook. "The storm is just not over yet."
The Cedar Key Fire Rescue has not reported any storm-related injuries or deaths.
TRACKING ELSA