Storms drench area, hampering many July Fourth plans

Severe weather dampened some Fourth of July plans in North Carolina, particularly in Cumberland County, where Fort Bragg has canceled its July Fourth celebration.

Fort Bragg officials said the festivities were canceled but the fireworks were up in the air until a last minute decision to go on.

Powerful afternoon storms moved through the Triangle early Thursday afternoon, knocking out power to several thousand Durham residents.

Also in Durham, a tree fell, smashing a house, and a lightning strike apparently started a fire at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Presidents Drive. No one was injured but Durham firefighters remain at the scene.

Adverse weather really hampered festivities in Cumberland County, which was under a flash flood warning through 8:15 p.m.

Hope Mills also canceled its fireworks show because of the weather.

LIST: 4th of July events in the Triangle and Fayetteville

Following a couple days of oppressive heat, a relief is in sight.

On Friday, temperatures will fall to the upper 80s and stay there or just above 90 for the next few days.