Rotting oak tree causes power, traffic problems in Raleigh

The outage lasted just more than three hours, but repair work lasted more nearly 24 hours as crews worked to clean up and clear four utility poles in the area.

"I heard just a big thud," resident Mike Burow said. "The power line was drooping because of the tree having pulled it down. There was tremendous tension on the wire."

Traffic lights in the area were also out and police set up detours in the area.

Neighbors said crews were in the area last week cutting limbs in an attempt to keep them from falling on power lines.