Irma Causes Storm Damage, Power Outages Across CLT

CHARLOTTE, NC — Irma slapped Charlotte Monday evening as the tropical storm moved North.

Trees crashed on to power lines causing thousands of power outages across Mecklenburg County.

“When it fell, I could have died in that moment, like my heart skipped a few beats,” said Josh Rodriguez.

A massive tree narrowly missed the room Rodriguez was in on Pritchard St. in West Charlotte.

“The whole system just gave out,” said Rodriguez.

The same scenario played out on Billy Graham Pkwy. at the Tyvola Rd. South exit at 6:30 Monday evening.

Officers said it would take the city hours to move it because crews are so backed up moving other trees.

In the Sharon Woods neighborhood in South Charlotte, crews repaired lines before 3:00 in the afternoon. At that point, 1,500 customers were without electricity in the city.

At Charlotte Douglas Airport, Irma’s wrath causing a domino effect.

Southwest won’t resume flights until Tuesday morning and hundreds of others were cancelled.

“It is a good possibility we are going to be spending the night here,” said Rich Dismore.

WCCB Charlotte gave him directions to the nearest pharmacy.

“Well, I did not bring enough medication with me,” said Dismore. “So, I have to find a place to go to get my medication,”

The wind is not expected to back down, and locals warn others.

“Get the tree looked at. Get someone to inspect it, someone who actually knows about trees,” said Rodriguez. “Make sure they say it’s time to get it removed because it could be your life someone else’s life.”