Tree falls on Glenwood Avenue, knocking out power and leaving Raleigh residents sweltering in the heat

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A tree fell on Glenwood Avenue Friday afternoon, bringing down several power lines with it.

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“I am stunned,” said Richard Johnson.

“We have no air conditioning, and with vaulted ceilings, it’s really hot on the top level,” added Ashley Deibel.

As for Duke Power customers, Steve Lineberger noted, “They told us our power should be back on by 1 a.m.”

Many were left wondering how this incident occurred. “It’s strange because there’s no storm today and no wind that I’m aware of,” remarked Johnson.

However, Raleigh Police, along with Trees for the Triangle Executive Director Dave Klemp, indicated that the weather was a contributing factor. “We are experiencing a historic drought with a heat wave — it’s feeling like over 100 degrees right now,” Klemp explained.

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He stated that this extreme heat likely played a role in causing the massive tree to fall, which led to the shutdown of a portion of Glenwood Avenue.

“This tree was likely experiencing some internal decay or other issues that the heat and drought exacerbated,” he said.

As crews work to restore power and reopen the road, Johnson mentioned, “I’m looking for a hotel room.”

Lineberger added, “It’s pretty incredible; I’m glad I have a backup generator.”

The positive note amid this incident is that no one was injured when the tree fell that afternoon.

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