Fallen tree limbs create dangerous conditions for firefighters in east Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tree limbs continued to fall across Charlotte after powerful storms blew through the area Wednesday night.

One limb that fell on Audrey Steet in east Charlotte created a dangerous situation for firefighters because it hit power lines.

[IMAGES: Severe storms roll through Charlotte area (May 24)]

"We evacuated everyone out of the house. Made sure everyone is in a safe area make sure the firefighters are safe as well, and make sure they don’t get electrocuted," said Charlotte Fire Capt. Shaw Royall.

It took about an hour for Duke Energy crews to get there because they were swamped overnight dealing with about 12,000 outages.

"We've had crews working throughout the night, not only in Charlotte but across the state," said Megan Musgrave, with Duke Energy.

She said their crews got there as quickly as they could, but with widespread events, it can take some time.

According to the Charlotte City Arborist, they received 30 reports of downed trees since 3:00 p.m. Wednesday.

Channel 9 crews even saw a tree come down on I-77.

No one was hurt when the limb came down in east Charlotte, so fire crews used their training to keep it that way.

"Right now. there is no life hazard, so we are not going to subject our firefighters to more danger than we have to," said Royall.

The fire did not spread to the complex.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• North Carolinians cleaning up after possible tornadoes hit 4 counties
• VIDEO: Severe storms, possible tornadoes slam North Carolina
• CMS approves all student assignment boundary change proposals
• Lawyer recorded telling rape victim Trump will deport her if she testifies
• More than 60 firefighters battle 3-alarm business fire in north Charlotte
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday morning forecast

Cox Media Group