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

Guns N' Roses fans lined up early in Raleigh for their concert Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Some fans told ABC11 they're not worried about the storms that have been pounding the area all day.

Fans are showing up in droves for the Guns N' Roses concert at Carter-Finley Stadium Thursday night. The threat of severe weather and downpours looms but they're ready.

Know before you go

• Expect heavy traffic around Carter-Finley Stadium, Trinity Road, Blue Ridge Road, Edwards Mill Road and I-40 from this afternoon through the evening.

• Arrive early, be patient, and give yourself extra travel time.

• Keep an eye on the weather, too. Strong storms are possible, and concert officials will monitor conditions and provide updates if needed.

• Stay informed by signing up for emergency text alerts. Text GOPACK to 67283 to receive updates if weather or other

conditions impact the concert.

• Stay hydrated. Guests can bring one sealed water bottle (up to 20 oz.) or one reusable bottle (up to 32 oz.), and cooling stations will be available inside the venue

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