Madison Street between Clay and Webster streets in Whiteville will be blocked for several hours today (Monday) while a “widowmaker” tree is cleared.
Whiteville Emergency Services Director Hal Lowder said the city has had multiple calls about the tree, which has damaged several others and leaned even farther after high winds this weekend. It has been a threat for some time, Lowder said, and was briefly mentioned in a recent city council meeting.
“The decision was made this morning that we need to have the tree taken down in a controlled manner, to prevent possible injury and further damage,” Lowder said. “It’s a very busy route, and that tree was coming down soon.
“It is a widowmaker for sure.”
Duke Progress Energy and the Department of Transportation are removing the tree. Traffic is being detoured to Franklin and Lee streets. Motorists and pedestrians are being asked to avoid the area.
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