The Fourth of July: Fireworks and fallen trees
By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
The Fourth of July brought more than fireworks to Darlington as afternoon storms hit the city with heavy rains and high winds.
Several fallen trees damaged homes and knocked out power for some residents.
George Stoddard said that around 4:45 p.m., an oak tree in front of his North Ervin Street home succumbed to “hurricane-level” wind and rain and dropped heavy limbs onto power lines. “The limbs hit the lines and pulled down the utility pole across the street, and the weight tore the lines off the side of my house,” said Stoddard.
Though his home lost power and required a new weather head and lines, Stoddard said crews from Duke Energy arrived quickly and worked hard to get the limbs off the lines and reset the utility pole.
“Let me tell you, those people from Duke Energy are unbelievable. They were here until about midnight,” said Stoddard.
Photos by Samantha Lyles