Afternoon rain and winds have wreaked havoc throughout the county as emergency personnel respond to downed power lines and trees in multiple areas.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Rowan County. Emergency communications reports downed trees at Ashley Drive, South Fulton Street and several other locations throughout the county.

Two people were taken to the hospital after a tree fell on a car in the 4300 block of South Main Street. Emergency crews also responded to a tree reported on a house in the 700 block of Victory Street and a home in the 1400 block of Parkview Circle.

Duke Energy reports 6,615 power outages in Rowan County as of 5:45 p.m. According to the Duke Energy website, customers are encouraged to call 1-800-POWERON to report outages and get an estimated time of restoration. Check back for more details.