Durham schools closed for second day as thousands remain without power from severe weather

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of people in Durham County are still without power after Tuesday night's storms.

Durham Public Schools will be closed for a second day Thursday due to the continued power outages throughout the county. DPS said all employees will operate on a two-hour delay. High school athletics practices will continue as scheduled.

Duke Energy said it the company brought in additional workers to repair the damage.

The large-scale cleanup effort and power restoration continues across the Triangle after powerful thunderstorms tore through the area Tuesday afternoon.

Traffic signals and numerous streets and intersections in Durham are not working due to the power outage.

When traffic signals are not working, here's the best way to navigate. Hint: Treat it like a 4-way stop.

Countless Bull City businesses are still in the dark, more than 24 hours after severe storms passed through the area. Small business owners say it's a big hit for their bottom line.

In the Brightleaf section of Durham, many stores and restaurants along Main St. were forced to close while they awaited word from Duke Energy.

"It's actually really hard to recoup a day like this. And for a small business, it is. I mean, it's significant," said Kristen Commons, who owns The Retreat, just off Main St.

The large-scale cleanup effort and power restoration continues across the Triangle after powerful thunderstorms tore through the area Tuesday afternoon.

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Durham Police confirmed to ABC11 late Tuesday that a 78-year-old woman was killed when a tree fell on her car. It happened on Anderson Street at Morehead Avenue and Cranford Road near Duke University's campus.

Chopper 11 captured numerous trees down and widespread damage

Tree falls, blocks road in Durham

Check the Duke Energy power outage map here.

Durham police released a list of road closures and traffic lights that are out. Police want to remind drivers that if you approach a four-way intersection to treat it as a four-way stop.

The city of Durham will pick up any debris caused by the storm for free. Have all limbs and brush on the curb by Sunday August 20. Make sure that all limbs are less than 6 feet long, and have less than 2 inch diameter. The crews will pick it up through Friday, August 25.

Chopper 11 captured numerous trees down and widespread damage.

• Stay away from downed wires and report the location immediately.

• Always assume any downed wire is live.

• Don't move barricades. They're there for a reason.

• Avoid making contact with branches or debris that may be in contact with downed power lines.

• If you see a fallen power line or safety hazard involving our equipment, call your power company or call 911 immediately.

• Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it and keep others away until help arrives.

• Never, ever use a generator indoors.

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