Hanna sweeps through Wayne
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 6, 2008 8:57 AM
Tropical Storm Hanna began blowing through Wayne County early this morning with the National Weather Service in Raleigh estimating the worst of it hitting about 6 a.m. But even then, little damage was reported by the Wayne County Emergency Management Department -- a scattering of downed trees and power outages throughout the county.
Worst hit in terms of power was the Mount Olive area, which saw a Progress Energy transmission line go out about 7:30 a.m.
Mike Hughes, a spokeman for Progress Energy estimated that about 5,800 Wayne County customers and 2,800 Duplin County customers were affected, but that by 8:30 a.m. power was back up for many of them.
"In the meantime we've been able to reroute power," he said, adding that Progress Energy officials were not sure of the cause and that a permanent fix was still waiting. Also affected were about 7,000 customers of Tri-County Electric Membership Cooperative who rely on that line for their power. But again, said Manager Mike Davis, most of those have had power restored -- except primarily for the Dudley substation, which serves about 3,500.
"As soon as that is restored, though, we'll be back in good shape," he said.
Other reports of scattered power outages also were found in Fremont, Seven Springs, the North Park Drive/Cuyler Best Road and Mimosa Park areas in Goldsboro, and the Spring Creek area.
The Salvation Army shelter on William Street had about 25 people stay the night, while the Red Cross shelter at Spring Creek High School had nearly 50.
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The Weather Service reported steady winds this morning around 35 miles per hour with gust upwards of 50, and rainfall of slightly more than 3 inches as of 9 a.m., with another one or two expected, and a flash flood warning in effect until 10:45 a.m. But, officials said, the storm system should pass shortly after lunch.
"We should have blue skies by 2 p.m. this afternoon," said meterologist Brandon Locklear.
For further updates stay tuned to www.newsargus.com and see full storm coverage in Sunday's News-Argus. Let us know what you are seeing and hearing. Send your storm photos to news@newsargus.com