Winds Wreak Havoc

Wind gusts and strong northwest winds caused traffic accidents and knocked out power across Tennessee.

High winds caused trees and limbs to fall in the Chattanooga area, downing power lines and blocking roads today.

According to an EPB spokesperson at around 9 PM about 4,000 customers all across the area were without power. Reports are coming in from the Lookout and Signal Mountain areas, as well as Highway 58.

EPB blames the wind and fallen trees, and says because wind is responsible, it will take longer to fix the problems. All of their crews are out in the field right now. If the wind dies down, power should be restored by 7 AM.

Storm Track 9 Meteorologist Allison Chinchar says, "Due to all the rain we got last night and this morning, the ground and soil are wet, which is not providing strength for the trees and strong winds are causing them to be uprooted or sway enough to knock into power lines."