Lightning strike causes power outages in southern Duval County

Firefighters contain fire quickly at JEA substation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A lightning strike caused a power substation off Old St. Augustine Road near Grand Bay Parkway in the Bartram Park area to catch fire Tuesday afternoon, affecting traffic lights on several main Southside roads for about an hour.

All lights on Phillips Highway at Southside Boulevard, Greenland Road, Old St. Augustine Road and at Interstate 95 entrance and exit ramps were out due to a blown transformer, but power was restored to them by about 5:30 p.m.

JEA said about 6,000 homes were also initially without power. Power was restored to more than 4,000 customers by 5:20 p.m.

Officials said it may take until 6:15 p.m. before power in restored to all customers.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire quickly.

Jacksonville Fire-Rescue sent a crew to check for possible environmental contamination.