Via: www.wral.com
Raleigh, N.C. — Fierce winds and heavy rain flooded the Triangle and surrounding areas Thursday morning, causing downed power lines and trees, water-logged roads and traffic accidents.
The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches and wind advisories, as well as a flood warning along the Neuse River through Saturday evening.
Crabtree Creek in Raleigh was 12 feet deep Thursday morning, which is up significantly from its normal level of 1 to 2 feet. Flood stage is 18 feet.
Goldsboro police said the wet weather most likely contributed to a traffic crash that killed an 82-year-old man who was trying to cross U.S. Highway 70 early Thursday.
In Cary, a large tree covered one lane of southeast Maynard Road between Ralph and Ellynn drives. Emergency officials responded to two separate five-car crashes at the site. Crews were working to clear the scene.
In Raleigh, power lines fell on top of a car at New Bern Road and Corporation Drive.
Onslow County Public Schools and Harrells Christian Academy, in Harrells, were both operating on a two-hour delay Thursday due to flooded roads.
About 17 power outages were reported in Wake County Thursday morning.