WAXHAW, N.C. -- Downed trees, fires, overwhelmed emergency dispatchers and more. All of this in Union County and all associated with severe weather. “A whole band of storms that hit Atlanta last night came through this area,” said Pat Beekman, Homeland Security director for Union County.

A gust of wind is to blame for two uprooted trees that knocked over a power line in Waxhaw. The debris closed Rehobeth Road, causing mostly an inconvenience. “It’s just a big curb right around there as soon as you get past the tree,” said neighbor Karen Sloop. “I have to drive all the way around Sims Road.”

The power outage didn’t affect many residents. Possible lightning strikes sent firefighters to homes in Fairview and Wesley Chapel. Despite fire damage, no injuries were reported. “We have localized heavy winds, anywhere between 30 to 50 miles per hour,” Beekman added.

Following a tornado warning for Union County, emergency dispatchers in Monroe were inundated with callers. “In this age of cell phones, everybody calls in when they see a traffic accident,” said Beekman. “Everyone has a phone.”

Additional 911 operators were called in to work. “We had a lot of traffic accidents. Some flooded roads,” Beekman added. With the ground saturated, extra water hazards began to form at the Pebble Creek Golf Course in Indian Trail.