Severe weather triggers heavy rain, downed trees, and flood threats across central NC: Live Updates

Work crews were busy in Raleigh as several large trees fell across roads, causing traffic delays and other issues.

One tree fell on Spring Forest Road near Shanda Drive, reducing traffic to one lane.

Crews were able to clear the scene by afternoon, leaving just sawdust on the shoulder behind.

Work crews were busy cutting and clearing trees that fell across roads in Raleigh on Thursday.

Another huge tree crashed onto Tallwood Drive in north Raleigh, near Falls Lake.

The blockage prevented some residents from getting to their homes. That tree has also been cleared.

Two trees down on Tallwood Drive in north Raleigh kept work crews and neighbors busy on Thursday afternoon

However, just before 5 p.m., a second large tree fell on Tallwood Drive.

Neighbors teamed up to cut up the tree and clear branches out of the roadway.

Residents in the Spring Forest Road area told ABC11 that they had no power issues.

Good news: Power has been restored at the Streets at Southpoint.

The parking lot is full again, and shoppers are returning to stores.

Earlier today, it was a much different scene.

The outage affected businesses at Streets at Southpoint and nearby shopping areas.

Power outages brought business to a standstill, forcing every store inside the mall to close.

Despite the dark storefronts, the outage didn't stop some people from getting their morning walk in.

"We knew there was no electricity because the power outage and lights were out," said Renee Connelly. "But they still allowed us to come in, and there were plenty of people walking. The people were very kind to allow us walkers to be among the others."

Across Fayetteville Street at Renaissance Center, it was the same story.

Signs posted on business doors told customers they were closed because of the power outage.

Hundreds of customers across the Bull City were without electricity for hours today.

Duke Energy said crews responded quickly and that downed trees were the main cause of the outages as heavy rain moved through the area.

The good news tonight is that power has been restored.

Fayetteville and other parts of the Sandhills saw torrential rain fall around noon.

The rain eased later in the afternoon, but more precipitation was expected through Harnett and Cumberland counties.

After torrential rain in the late morning and early afternoon caused problems in the Sandhills, precipitation eased in the late afternoon before another band of wet weather.

Fayetteville officials said they responded to eight car crashes during the heaviest rain time, noon to 1 p.m.

Emergency Management coordinator Laura Smith said there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of damage during severe weather.

"Some of the simple things that folks can do to keep their homes and neighborhood safe is just to make sure that their storm drains are clear around their homes, whether you have your regular trash litter, grass clippings, anything that could prevent the water from flowing like as it should," Smith said.

Stay on top of breaking news and weather with the ABC11 News App

Conditions have improved markedly in Holly Springs, where earlier flash flooding forced a road to close.

New Hill Road was closed at White Oak Creek between Cateswood Court, southeast of Friendship Road, and Stonender Way was closed because of flash flooding.

Conditions have improved markedly in Holly Springs, where earlier flash flooding forced a road to close.

Get live updates here

Drivers who see standing water are urged to turn around rather than attempt to drive through floodwaters.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news and weather alerts