Local News

East Raleigh residents lost trees, not lives

Residents of east Raleigh's Marlborough Road near Enloe High School were saying prayers of thanks and brandishing chainsaws Tuesday as the cleanup from a powerful weekend storm entered its third day.

Posted Updated
Storm damage - April 16, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. — Residents of east Raleigh's Marlborough Road near Enloe High School were saying prayers of thanks and brandishing chainsaws Tuesday as the cleanup from a powerful weekend storm entered its third day.

The mature trees that once dotted the neighborhood were tossed like dolls in winds greater than 100 mph. "It doesn't look like Marlborough Road," said Maxine Tutu. "I don't know what it looks like."

Aerial images show a canopy of green before the storm hit and and toppled trees and crushed houses after Saturday's storm. High winds, rain and hail made their way Saturday afternoon from downtown Raleigh to Yonkers Road near Interstate 440, touching down on Marlborough Road in between.

As they deal with the damage, residents have another concern. Scott Spaccarotella said he chased off two people Tuesday evening he suspects were looking to steal from the damaged homes.
As they balance the good with the bad, residents of Marlborough Road realize it could have been much worse.
"We thank you, Jesus, that we're alive," Tutu said.

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