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No Injuries or Damage After Tree Falls

Thursday's thunderstorm knocked over a tree onto Trent Drive

tree
Photo courtesy of Duke Police.

About a quarter-inch of rain and wind gusts up to almost 50 miles per hour swept through the Triangle yesterday, cutting power and downing trees in its path.

The storm, which passed through Durham around 5 p.m., caused a tree to collapse and fall across Trent Drive outside the John Hope Franklin Center. Charlotte Fleming, business manager for the Office of Area Studies and International Studies, said the large tree came down shortly after 5 p.m.

"A big gust of wind came through and all of a sudden there was a big crack," said Fleming, whose office faces Trent Drive. "Luckily, nobody was walking by so no one was hurt."

Fleming called Duke Police, which arrived on-scene to direct traffic and clear the area for safety.

Jim Bjurstrom, operations commander with Duke Police, said facilities crews and tree removal contractors moved quickly and were able to clear Trent Drive around 8 p.m. No Duke property was damaged from the fallen tree.

Even after yesterday's storm, the area may be in for more wet weather. The National Weather Service forecasts the chance for showers and thunderstorms on Saturday and into early next week.

"We're thankful no one was hurt," said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for administration. "Our emergency personnel responded in a timely manner to secure the scene and reroute traffic. We'll continue to monitor weather conditions to help ensure the safety of the community."

tree
Photo courtesy of Charlotte Fleming.