JACKSONVILLE (ActionNewsJax.com) -- A powerful nor'easter storm that has affected the weather for northeast Florida and southeast Georgia for much of the weekend brought a new round of storms Monday morning, bringing heavy rain, street flooding and high winds that brought down power lines and tree limbs.
Several counties in Florida were under a tornado watch until 1 pm as the storm continued its eastward trek from the ocean, including Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns and Union. The watch also included counties in Georgia. They are: Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Pierce and Ware counties.
The National Weather Service also issued a host of alerts for several counties to warn about flooding, winds and high surf. For a complete list of watches and warnings, click
here.
Action News Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh said the storm was losing its punch as the morning progresses.
"Things are gradually improving," he said.
Several local schools reported power outages Monday morning, including: Hickory Creek Elementary, Switzerland Point Middle School, Pedra Menendez High School, Gamble Rogers Middle School and Hartley Elementary School. As of 8:45 am. only two schools were still without power. Those schools were: Hickory Creek Elementary and Switzerland Point Middle School.
Despite the power outages, school officials said classes would be held as expected.
The biggest threat from the storm seemed to be the high winds, which snapped tree limbs and brought power lines down. As of 8:45 am, JEA reported that 657 of its customers were without power.
During a predawn accident, a minivan driver crashed into a falling tree on CR 13 that was felled by high winds, authorities said. It was not clear if any injuries were reported from the accident.
High waves along the coastal areas were reported during the weekend into Monday as the unsettled weather moved through.
Action News meteorologist Tom Johnston said a chance of rain remains in the forecast but that conditions will improve.
"It will be improving all week long," he said.
ActionNewsJax.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles contributed to this report. He can be reached at acharles@nptvgroup.com.
