Weather News

Thousands still without power after heavy storms roll through central NC

A tree blocks Lutz Ave. in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023. The surrounding area currently does not have power.
A tree blocks Lutz Ave. in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023. The surrounding area currently does not have power. ehyman@newsobserver.com

Thousands of power outages were reported Tuesday morning as heavy storms barreled through central North Carolina Monday evening.

Duke Energy reported the following customers without power at 11:56 a.m. Tuesday.

  • Wake County: 6,440 customers
  • Franklin County: 2,206
  • Lee County: 0
  • Johnston County: 369
  • Chatham County: 6
  • Orange County: 2
  • Harnett County: 109
  • Durham County: 59
  • Moore County: 26
Utility crews work to restore power and connectivity along Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, N.C. Tuesday morning, Aug. 8, 2023 after severe thunderstorms Monday night left thousands in Wake County without power.
Utility crews work to restore power and connectivity along Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, N.C. Tuesday morning, Aug. 8, 2023 after severe thunderstorms Monday night left thousands in Wake County without power. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Here’s what to know:

When will power be restored?

Duke Energy crew began work Monday night to repair and assess the damage, according to a statement on the utility’s website.

“Crews have begun making repairs and will continue assessing the damage throughout the day on Tuesday to ensure we provide all those impacted with accurate estimated times for restoration. We appreciate your patience while this work is underway,” the statement said.

Yellow tape covers the remains of a tree that is blocking traffic southbound on Ridge Road near Lewis Farm Road in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023.
Yellow tape covers the remains of a tree that is blocking traffic southbound on Ridge Road near Lewis Farm Road in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

Tornado and thunderstorm warnings

A tornado warning was issued for parts of Chatham, Lee and Randolph counties until 7 p.m., the National Weather Service said Monday night.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued until 8 p.m. for Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Burlington, Raleigh, Durham and Cary.

A storm rolled into Lee County before 7 p.m., ahead of much larger line of storms on the way. The squall brought a quick but heavy downpour and gusty winds.

City of Raleigh workers remove storm debris on Mordecai Drive in Raleigh Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023 following a severe thunderstorm that swept across the Triangle and much or North Carolina on Monday.
City of Raleigh workers remove storm debris on Mordecai Drive in Raleigh Tuesday morning, August 8, 2023 following a severe thunderstorm that swept across the Triangle and much or North Carolina on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek had attendees take shelter in their vehicles during the storm before gaining access to the Disturbed concert. The concert ultimately was postponed, the venue announced on social media at 9:26 p.m.

Earlier in the day, the weather service said the Triangle is at risk for Level 3 storms, which could include damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and large hail. The service also issued a heat advisory.

What is a Level 3 storm?

This means there is an “enhanced risk” of severe weather. The scale goes from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest risk.

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A rainbow is spotted north of Downtown Raleigh, N.C., on the evening of Aug. 7, 2023, after storms rolled through Central North Carolina.
A rainbow is spotted north of Downtown Raleigh, N.C., on the evening of Aug. 7, 2023, after storms rolled through Central North Carolina. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

Tuesday’s forecast in the Triangle

According to the National Weather Service, highs will be around 89 with sunny skies. Temperatures in the evening will be around 67 with partly cloudy skies.

The next chance for rain and storms is Thursday.

Martha Quillin contributed to this story.

This story was originally published August 7, 2023 at 8:17 AM.

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Jessaca Giglio
The News & Observer
Jessaca Giglio is a McClatchy Flex Editor and Pulitzer Prize Finalist who started at The N&O in 1994. Since then, she’s been planning and enterprise editor, breaking news editor, sports editor, assistant metro editor, retail columnist, small-business editor and assistant design editor. She is a graduate of Campbell University.
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