CARY, N.C. — A large tree came crashing down Saturday night at the intersection of Melody Lane and Reedy Creek Road in Cary, as strong winds swept through Wake County during another round of severe summer storms.
According to the National Weather Service, the tree was uprooted by wind gusts, bringing multiple power lines down with it. It’s still unclear how many homes in the area lost power, but cleanup crews were on the scene overnight working to remove the debris and assess the damage.
Back-to-back days of fallen trees raise concerns
This is the second day in a row that a tree has fallen in the county. On Friday, a tree came down in a North Raleigh neighborhood, landing on a parked Tesla. While no injuries were reported in either case, meteorologists warn that conditions across central North Carolina are ripe for more incidents like these.
The culprit? Soaked soil.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Chantal earlier in the week left the ground saturated, and additional storms since then have only made matters worse. With soil unable to hold roots firmly in place, trees across the region are now more susceptible to falling—especially when paired with even moderate winds.
Tree expert: ‘The soil just can’t hold them anymore’
“The trees have obviously been through a lot recently,” said Basil Camu, a certified arborist with Leaf & Limb Tree Care in Raleigh. “A precarious position and gravity have been working on them slowly throughout the day.”
Camu explained that when tree roots are surrounded by overly wet soil, they lose their grip underground. Over time, gravity and the added stress from wind or weight can be enough to bring even sturdy trees down.
He also noted that homeowners should keep an eye out for leaning trees or exposed roots, both signs that a tree may be unstable.
While more storms are expected to pass through Wake County in the coming days, the full extent of potential damage will likely depend on how much more rain falls—and how well the already-soaked ground can take it.
