City crews work on storm cleanup

Motorists using the eastbound one-way segment of Sunset Avenue in the direction of downtown Thursday morning had to take alternate routes upon approaching the intersection with Pine Street.

That was because city crews were removing a tree that fell in front of the Beth Temple El building amid stormy weather the afternoon of Sept. 27.

City Manager Peter Varney said over the phone earlier this week that there was extensive rot in the middle of the tree and that, as it fell, the tree knocked down a utility pole that supported the adjacent traffic signal.

Varney said that crews got the tree cleared from the pavement and got the traffic signal back in service by about 5 p.m. that day.

Late last week, a tornado associated with Hurricane Helene touched down in Nash County and damaged businesses and an apartment complex in the northwestern part of the city, injuring several people.

City officials said 14 buildings were damaged, but there were no fatalities.