Hurricane Helene debris killed Duval toddler

A toddler died during Hurricane Helene when debris fell on a home on Ozo Lane South, according to a new National Weather Service report about the hurricane’s damage.

The report gives no other details about the child’s death, but it says peak wind gusts hit 74 mph at Jacksonville International Airport as the storm plowed north into Georgia and the Carolinas. About 224,000 JEA customers lost power during the storm, the report says .

A parking lot near Lomax Street was flooded during a storm surge between Sept. 26 and 27, as were parts of Riverside Avenue.

The St. Johns River rose to just below moderate flood stage, the report said. Storm surge inundated East Adams and East Monroe streets near the intersection with Marsh Street. It also caused flooding along Lafayette Street and Forsyth Street, near the Hogan’s Creek juncture with the St. Johns River.

The highest wind gust was 80 mph, measured at 12:40 a.m. Sept. 27 at Fire Station 40 on Fort George island, the report said. The city’s five shelters held about 360 people at the height of the storm, while winds blew down about 100 feet of fencing at Blount Island.

Helene in other counties

The Weather Service report also logged the hurricane’s damage and wind speeds in surrounding counties.

• Clay County: More than 34,000 customers, or about 34%, lost power. Fallen trees brought down power lines, which also caused some road closures. A tree fell through a roof and into a room in a Fleming Island home, the report said.

• Nassau County: Multiple trees fell on homes and cars, causing extensive damage in Florence Point, OysterBay, Callahan, Fernandina Beach and Yulee, the report said. Some boats ran aground in Bells River after breaking loose. Highest wind gusts were 50 mph, measured in Hilliard. More than 31,000 customers (about 58% of the county) were without power after the storm passed.

• St. Johns County: Many trees and powerlines fell, as about 20,000 customers lost power. Peak sustained winds were 45 to 60 mph, with gusts of 55 to 70 mph.

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