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Crews are cleaning up and assessing damage in eastern Calhoun County, as more heavy rain is predicted through tonight.

An official with the National Weather Service in Birmingham said Calhoun County could expect heavy showers and thunderstorms through tonight, with showers and isolated thunderstorms likely tomorrow.

Since 10 a.m. today, 1.69 inches of rainfall has been recorded at the Anniston Metropolitan Airport, according to the NWS Web site.

The growl of chainsaws filled the air on Choccolocco Road near Valley Auto at about 1 p.m. as crews worked to remove downed pine trees blocking the road.

Sheriff Larry Amerson was helping to divert traffic.

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Slideshow: Fay's aftermath View images of the effects of Tropical Depression Fay.

According to a sheriff’s deputy directing traffic, Choccolocco Road will be closed between Old Colonial Road and Liberty Lane until at least 2:30 today.

According to a county worker helping to clear the road, it may be another day before thru traffic is allowed in the area.

Amerson said a house off Sugar Falls Road was destroyed, and near there U.S. 78 is reported to have been blocked by a fallen tree.

Some structures in the area have seen significant damage, with trees down on carports and buildings. One building’s roof has been relieved of its shingles and decking, leaving only the trusses.

White Plains Volunteer Fire Chief Billy Hutto said an apparent tornado tore through the area east of Anniston, snapping trees and damaging several homes.

He said at least two homes were severely damaged. Fire crews are busy sweeping through roads searching for additional damage, he said.

“We’re just working it street-to-street right now,” he said.

EMA officials could not immediately say whether a tornado had touched down in the area.

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An official with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said there were reports of a tree down on U.S. 78 and damage in the Sugar Valley Subdivision off DeArmanville Road. Deputies were on the scene and no more information was immediately available.

The Cleburne County EMA reported a tornado blew out windows and damaged walls at the Speers convenience store off U.S. 431 near County Road 6.

Cleburne County officials also reported that a portion of Interstate 20 was closed because of downed trees. County Road 66 and the scenic route on Alabama 281 near Mount Cheaha also had downed trees, EMA officials said.

Keisa Sharp of Alabama Power said that as of 1 p.m. about 700 customers were without power in the eastern part of the state, including parts of Anniston, Gadsden, Heflin, Talladega and Jacksonville.

Sharp said 136 customers were without power in Heflin, 22 in Anniston, 37 in Jacksonville and 95 in Talladega.

Customers in Ashville, Oneonta and Sylacauga were also without power this afternoon, she said.

Alabama Power crews were on the way to these areas to work on getting power back on, she said, but she said that “we could be dealing with this throughout the day.”

Calhoun County was under a tornado warning from around noon to 1 p.m. today.

A tornado watch continues for Calhoun, Clay, Randolph, Talladega and Cleburne counties until 3 p.m. today.

If you have storm photos that you would like to share please send them to Ben Cunningham.

Check out annistonstar.com throughout the day for more information.