Residents evacuated after 2 downed power poles in Port St. Lucie

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some residents were evacuated as a precaution after two downed power poles blocked a roadway Thursday, Port St. Lucie police said on X.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department and the St. Lucie County Fire District responded to the scene located in the 800 block of Southwest Hamberland Avenue. The roadway was blocked after bands of severe weather from Hurricane Helene tore through the area.

Residents told WPTV's Cassandra Garcia the power went out at about 9 a.m.

"It was a good squall. There was a lot of wind and a lot of rain," Ana Hutchinson said. "A big storm came through, a big band, and knocked the power out."

Port St. Lucie police asked eight homeowners to shelter in place after the power poles came down, with two power lines touching the roof a home.

Hutchinson evacuated as a safety precaution.

"We were just asked to evacuate our house, because of a threat of fire," she said.

The road has since reopened and Florida Power and Light is working to restore power after determining there was no fire risk.

Neighbors who spoke to Garcia said they are grateful for the outcome.

"FPL came and we realized that the lines were dead, obviously a little bit more comfort, and now it's basically just gratitude," said a homeowner.