N.C. Department of Transportation crews are working to clear trees and other debris from roads in Davidson, Davie and Rowan counties after a severe storm blew through the area early this morning.
High winds and heavy rain also downed power lines, knocking out electricity to numerous traffic signals. To ensure motorist safety, NCDOT has closed affected roads while it coordinates with local utility companies to fix the downed power lines and remove the debris.
Rowan County
The severe weather struck Rowan County, knocking down trees and power lines. Maintenance crews began responding to trouble spots at 2:30 a.m. to try and clear roads before the morning commute.
Important information:
• U.S. 70 near Cleveland is currently closed. A truck hit a power pole, knocking power lines into the road. A detour route is in place. Motorists should take Barringer Road to Sherrills Ford Road to Hurley School Road back to U.S. 70 to avoid the area.
• N.C. 153 near Landis is currently closed as firefighters work to put out a church fire. Drivers should avoid the area until the fire is out, and NCDOT can reopen the road.
• Crews have removed most of the downed trees blocking roads in the county. Some traffic signals are still not working due to power outages; however, NCDOT is working closely with local police departments to ensure traffic flows safely through these intersections.
Davidson County
Of the three counties, Davidson County was hit hardest by the storm, with Tyro and Churchland bearing the brunt of the windy weather. Maintenance crews began responding to reports of downed trees and power lines at 3 a.m.
Important information:
• U.S. 64 one-quarter mile east of N.C. 150 is currently closed west of Lexington due to downed power lines in the road. Posted signs will guide motorists along a detour route around the area. It is unclear at this time when the road will reopen.
• N.C. 109 near Shady Grove Church Road in Wallburg was closed this morning because of downed power lines. Duke Power has removed the power lines from the road, and at 9 a.m., NCDOT crews reopened the road to traffic.
• Numerous secondary roads across the county remain closed due to trees or power lines in the roadway. Crews have placed orange barricades in the roads to block motorists from driving down them until NCDOT deems them safe for travel.
• Widespread power outages have knocked out electricity to many traffic signals across the county. Motorists should treat the situation as a four-way stop and proceed with caution.
Davie County
Strong winds toppled trees and blew down power lines across Davie County, causing problems for motorists. Maintenance crews started working to clear roads at 2:30 a.m.
Important information:
• Pine Ridge Road near N.C. 801 is currently closed, with barricades blocking the lanes. Once the utility company removes the downed power lines, NCDOT will clear any debris and reopen the road.
• Cooleemee is experiencing widespread power outages, which means many traffic signals in the area are not currently working. Drivers should treat the situation as a four-way stop and proceed with caution.
• The storm has littered roads across the county with tree limbs and branches, as well as other debris. Motorists are advised to drive slowly and avoid any blocked roads.
As drivers approach intersections where traffic signals are out, they are advised to follow these right-of-way rules:
• The first vehicle to the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet arrived;
• When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;
• The vehicle with the right of way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn left or right;
• When two facing vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, both drivers can move straight ahead or turn right. If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn left must wait. The driver who is traveling straight ahead has the right of way; and
• Even with the right of way, remember to use the appropriate turn signals and be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.
NCDOT encourages motorists driving through Davidson, Davie and Rowan counties today to stay alert and obey the posted speed limit. If they see power lines in the road, they should assume the lines are live and avoid them.
For real-time travel information at any time, call 511, visit www.ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at www.ncdot.gov/travel/twitter. Another option is NCDOT Mobile, a phone-friendly version of the NCDOT website. To access it, type “m.ncdot.gov” into the browser of your smartphone. Then, bookmark it to save for future reference. NCDOT Mobile is compatible with the iPhone, Android and some newer Blackberry phones.