Liberty Pines Academy And Durbin Crossing Residents Report Near Tornado

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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Liberty Pines Academy and Durbin Crossing Residents Report Near Tornado

St. Johns County, FL – October 26, 2023 – Residents of the Durbin Crossing community and students and staff at Liberty Pines Academy in St. Johns County, Florida, experienced a terrifying close call on Tuesday afternoon as a suspected tornado touched down near their locations. While no direct hit has been confirmed, the powerful winds caused significant damage and widespread fear.

The incident occurred around [Time of incident], sparking immediate concern among residents and prompting emergency responses. Initial reports from eyewitnesses described a rapidly rotating column of dark clouds and intense winds, consistent with a tornado. Social media quickly filled with images and videos depicting downed trees, damaged property, and debris strewn across the area.

<h3>Liberty Pines Academy Lockdown and Evacuation</h3>

Liberty Pines Academy, a highly-rated K-8 school located in close proximity to Durbin Crossing, immediately went into lockdown upon observing the approaching severe weather. Students and staff sheltered in place until the immediate threat subsided. Following the storm, a controlled evacuation was executed, ensuring the safety of all students and personnel. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the school. The swift response of the school administration and staff was widely praised by parents and community members.

<h3>Durbin Crossing Damage Assessment</h3>

Durbin Crossing, a master-planned community known for its family-friendly environment and expansive amenities, experienced considerable damage. Preliminary reports suggest numerous trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and some homes sustained roof damage. Crews from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and various utility companies were quickly on the scene assessing the damage and working to restore services. The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated.

<h3>National Weather Service Investigation</h3>

The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently investigating the incident to determine whether a tornado actually touched down or if the damage was caused by straight-line winds associated with a severe thunderstorm. A survey team will be deployed to the affected area to assess the damage patterns and confirm the severity of the weather event. Their findings are expected within the next few days.

<h3>Community Response and Recovery</h3>

The community has rallied together in the aftermath of the storm. Neighbors are assisting neighbors with cleanup efforts, and local businesses are providing support to those affected. The St. Johns County Emergency Management team is coordinating resources and providing assistance to residents. This demonstrates the strong sense of community spirit that characterizes both Durbin Crossing and the wider St. Johns County area.

<h3>Safety Tips for Severe Weather</h3>

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather. Here are some key safety tips:

• Develop a family emergency plan: Know where to go in case of severe weather and have a communication plan in place.
• Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and alerts from the National Weather Service.
• Have a go-bag ready: Prepare a bag with essential supplies like water, food, medications, and flashlights.
• Know your shelter options: Identify safe rooms or shelters in your home or community.
• Understand tornado warnings and watches: Knowing the difference is crucial for taking appropriate action.

For the latest updates on the damage assessment and NWS investigation, continue to monitor local news channels and the official St. Johns County website. The resilience and community spirit displayed in Durbin Crossing and at Liberty Pines Academy are truly commendable. We extend our thoughts and support to all those affected.

Keywords: Liberty Pines Academy, Durbin Crossing, St. Johns County, Florida, Tornado, Severe Weather, Storm Damage, NWS, National Weather Service, Community Response, Safety Tips, Emergency Preparedness.