Severe thunderstorm brings down trees, causes power outage and traffic delays in Opelika area
A severe thunderstorm moving through Lee County Thursday afternoon is causing downed trees, power outages, traffic signal outages and significant traffic delays across the Opelika area.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for central Lee County after a storm was located over Opelika at approximately 2:55 p.m. The storm was moving east at 15 mph and was capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
NWS meteorologists reported an especially strong radar signature with the Opelika storm, noting 70 dBZ reflectivity extending up to approximately 30,000 feet and a “very sizable hail spike” on radar. The observations indicated a strong thunderstorm core capable of producing significant hail.
I-85 traffic impacted
The Opelika Police Department reports traffic on I-85 near Exit 62 is backing up due to a fallen tree and a vehicle crash.
The right southbound lane is currently blocked while crews work to remove the fallen tree. Drivers are urged to use caution and expect delays.
Earlier reports indicated trees were also down on I-85 between the 66 and 60 mile markers, with heavy traffic delays reported along both I-85 South and North.
Multiple traffic lights out
Opelika police say multiple traffic lights are out throughout the city due to the storm, creating additional traffic problems.
Motorists are reminded that when approaching an intersection where the traffic signal is not operational, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop.
The outages are also impacting traffic along Gateway Drive in Tiger Town, where drivers should expect delays and use caution.
Approximately 300 customers without power
Opelika Power reports two separate outages in its service area.
The first outage is affecting Fox Run Parkway, Jordan’s Gate, Covenant Drive and surrounding areas, with approximately 100 customers without power.
A second outage is affecting the South Uniroyal Road and Columbus Parkway area, where approximately 200 customers are without power.
Opelika Power said crews have been notified and will be dispatched as soon as it is safe to do so.
Residents are urged to use caution in affected areas and treat all downed power lines as energized.
Tree down with active fire
Meanwhile, Salem and Beulah fire departments are working a call involving a downed tree with an active fire in the 4200 block of Lee Road 390. Salem Volunteer Fire Department is also working a scene on Lee Road 391.
Drivers across Lee County are urged to use extreme caution as storm debris, downed trees, power outages and disabled traffic signals continue to affect travel.
CNAW2News will continue monitoring the storm and its impacts across the Chattahoochee Valley and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
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