CRYSTAL RIVER, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: The 352today team is in Crystal River reporting on the damage from the overnight storms. We have new images from photojournalist Alan Youngblood.

Several roads are closed in Crystal River including this intersection at Three Sisters Springs Trail due to debris and downed power lines blocking the roadways. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Damage to a home on Pinwheel Drive in Crystal River. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: According to new information from the City of Crystal River, there is significant concern for flooding during high tide around 4 p.m. today. Waterfront residents are encouraged to take precautions, be vigilant and stay aware.

As of just before 10:30 a.m., city officials say Highways 19 and 44 remain closed due to downed power lines. They estimate 2,500 customers are without power in the area. City sewer facilities have also suffered damage and are being assessed for repair.

City leadership and public safety began responding to the storm at around 2 a.m. The Red Cross is also currently responding to the area. More information will be shared when it is available, says the City of Crystal River.

Crystal River says the storm involved “several potential tornadoes.” However, tornadoes cannot be officially confirmed until crews from the National Weather Service survey the damage.

All Crystal River city facilities, including city hall and all city parks, will be closed today. Residents are also advised to stay off streets impacted by the storm.

ORIGINAL 8 a.m.: Overnight storms have caused significant damage in the Crystal River community.

Several buildings are damaged. Debris is blocking streets. And, Citrus County Schools will be closed today, Thursday, Oct. 12.

Crystal River officials ask residents to stay off the streets and others to not travel to to the area as debris and downed power lines currently make it unsafe. Courtesy: City of Crystal River-Government
A powerful storm rolled through Crystal River around 3 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, damaging buildings, knocking out power and leaving debris blocking roads. Courtesy: City of Crystal River- Government

In a Facebook post, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office stated the following roads are impacted by debris as of 7 a.m. Thursday:

  • Fort Island Trail and Three Sisters Springs Trail intersection
  • NE 9th St., 8th St., and 1st St., in the Copeland Park area
  • Crystal Street near the intersection of W Balloon Lane
  • SE 8th Terrace
  • Ozello Trail and Winterset Avenue intersection
  • Whitewater Terrace and Turkey Oak intersection

Additionally, the city says many secondary neighborhood streets are also impacted.

Officials urge extreme caution and asked residents to stay off the streets and others to not travel to Crystal River as downed power lines currently make it unsafe.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) had warned that tornadoes were possible as a storm system moved through north-central Florida. While a tornado has not been confirmed, the city says a powerful storm came through around 3 a.m.

Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek posted on Facebook saying, “Unofficially it looks like the tornado traveled somewhere off of Fort Island Trail, and went north east, crossing US 19, and heading through the Copeland Park area.”

The Citrus County School District says due to significant damage on the west side of the county, ALL schools will be closed today, Thursday, Oct. 12.

“Right now, we have teams assessing damage at schools and will get more insight into the full scope of damage to buildings once the sun comes up,” the school district said in a Facebook post.

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