Storms cause damage, power outages across Central North Carolina
Storms popped up across the ABC11 viewing area Wednesday evening, bringing high winds and hail and knocking down trees.
At the height of the storm, more than 9,300 Duke Energy customers were reportedly without power in Wake County alone, and more than 5,500 outages in Durham County. The total across the state was reported at more than 34,000.
In Durham, the strong winds toppled large trees at Woodlawn Memorial Park off Miami Boulevard. The falling trees tore large holes in the ground and knocked over gravestones. About 15 were damaged.
Right across the street from the cemetery, the Vargas Family spent Thursday picking up branches, leaves, and debris at their property. Even the little ones were helping with the massive cleanup effort.
"We were like 'Oh my Gosh.' We look at our back yard and our furniture is flying away!" said Ahtziri Vargas.
Wind gusts of 50 mph and golf-ball sized hail were reported in various areas.
WATCH: ABC11's Mark Armstrong records rushing water in North Raleigh area.
Some people were caught by surprise and left scrambling for drier and safer areas, such as concert-goers at Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh.
Much of the area was under thunderstorm warnings.
Trees were also reported down in parts of Raleigh and in Granville and Vance counties.
