Multiple trees toppled Sunday afternoon as severe storms moved through central NC

Several trees were blown down Sunday night in Wake County as severe storms moved through the area.

According to the National Weather Service, several downed trees were reported in Willow Springs, and several viewers told WRAL News they saw multiple downed trees along Interstate 40 between Raleigh and Benson.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed some trees fell onto the interstate, but crews cleared them from the road and are now focusing on removing the debris.

A WRAL News viewer from Willow Springs said a large branch snapped from a tree and fell in her yard. She added more trees fell, but most were in the woods.

The majority of the storm damage seems to be localized to Willow Springs.

Residents at McGee’s Crossroads in Johnston County said some of the trees snapped and fell into power lines. in Willow Springs, more than 800 residents are without power.

While many people told WRAL News the storm damage was the result of a tornado, the National Weather Service said the damage was likely caused by a microburst.

“Essentially, the storm starting losing its updraft, or fuel, [so] it could no longer keep all the moisture and wind up in the clouds [and] sent it to the ground,” WRAL meteorologist Anthony Baglione said. “It had no where to go but spread out at the ground and cause damage that can look like tornado.”

Baglione said there was no indication of rotation on radar.

“The atmosphere turned on the jet setting on its moisture hose,” he said.

The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for Wake and Johnston counties. The severe threat left the area just before midnight..

WRAL News issued a Weather Alert Day for the risk of strong winds and hail damage from isolated storm cells that could pop up in central North Carolina.

The downed trees are causing several backups on the interstate as drivers try to move around them. If you have any photos of storm damage, please share themhere.