A powerful storm during the afternoon in Melbourne led to flooded streets and a section of a roof giving way at a nearby community center.
As reported by a representative from the city of Melbourne, 20 individuals were present at the Joseph N. Davis Community Center when the severe storm hit during Tuesday afternoon.
Fortunately, all 20 individuals, including the children, exited the building without harm.
“I heard thunder and a loud explosion, and then everything began to fall slowly,” said Romello Lakes, who was inside when the roof gave way.
Lakes mentioned to Channel 9 that he frequently spends time with friends at the Recreation Center playing basketball.
An 11-year-old boy claimed he was playing pool as the storms arrived. He rushed to take shelter and had to abandon his backpack when the roof collapsed.
“It sounded like a whole lot of water just poured straight down,” said Lakes, as I immediately ran out of the room and into the gym.
More than 4 inches of rainfall occurred in the city of Melbourne, resulting in sudden flooding that caused several vehicles to become stuck near Babcock St. and Southgate Blvd on Tuesday afternoon.
A city representative stated that the drainage systems in the area were rapidly overwhelmed by the intense rainfall.
A long-time resident of Melbourne, Benjamin Alan Horne Sr. resides close to the community center.
It’s the spot for the children in the neighborhood,” said Horne, “you know how kids enjoy gathering like they will tomorrow. The Rec is kind of the same.
On Tuesday, Channel 9 staff observed green trucks arriving at the location, with Servpro teams already on site evaluating the damage.
The city states that the community center will remain closed for an indefinite period while the repair work is ongoing.
Scheduled events at the center will be canceled, moved, or delayed.
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