WFLA

VIDEO: Tampa traffic light yanked off line by Hurricane Ian, crashes in front of cops

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) β€” An Tampa traffic light did not survive the harsh winds of Hurricane Ian, according to police.

In an attempt to warn residents, the Tampa Police Department posted a video showing a traffic light falling off its line due to the heavy winds brought by Hurricane Ian.

The video showed the light swing for a bit before it crashed to the ground in front of police officers. The officers then took the broken traffic light off the road.

β€œThere are live wires down,” the department wrote. β€œThis is π™‰π™Šπ™ the time to venture out.”

While Tampa saw lesser effects from Hurricane Ian, the city did not escape being damaged.

Power lines down on Himes Avenue, south of MLK Boulevard (Credit: Tampa Police Department)

Downed power lines caused several fires, according to the Tampa Fire Rescue chief, and police said they saw downed trees and lines across the city.

Tampa city officials urged residents to shelter in place as they expected worse storm conditions through Wednesday night.