Contact: Elaine Tricoli
Phone: (336) 373-2421

Storm Information Update

GREENSBORO, NC – (May 9, 2008) – Greensboro Police and Fire officials are continuing their work with the owners of businesses that were in the path of severe storms that roared through the Triad area last night.

Greensboro Police Capt. Chris Walker said police have allowed limited access for some 100 people who have businesses on Industrial Village Road, Landmark Drive, West Market Street, Triad Drive, Standard Drive and Capital Drive. Little Santee Road remains closed at this time, he said. The business representatives were allowed a brief period of time to enter the area and secure their businesses.

The affected area – bordered by Interstate 40, Sandy Ridge Road, West Market Street and Thatcher Road – remains closed to the public while Duke Energy crews work to restore electricity. Representatives from Duke Energy have estimated that power will be restored by 11 pm today. Walker encouraged motorists to avoid the area.

City officials have planned their third news conference of the day at 5 pm at the Mobile Command Unit set up at the Piedmont Triad Farmer’s Market on Sandy Ridge Road.

City crews have cleared debris from all streets in the affected area. City water and sewer customers in the area should have full water pressure and no problems with water or sewer.

Police reported one fatality that resulted from the storm. Donald Ray Needham, 51, of Jackson Springs, NC, died when the box-style truck he was in overturned in a parking lot at 8717 W. Market Street.

Many City staff members remain on hand to respond to the needs of businesses in the affected areas. This weekend, business owners may request assistance from these City Inspections Division staff members:
•   For building-related issues, structural problems or requests for restoration of services that involve safety issues, call David Jones at 451-4006.
•   For electrical issues, call Pat Rose at 451-3964.

Deputy City Manager Bob Morgan said he was impressed with the teamwork demonstrated by the various City departments who assisted business and property owners and residents throughout the day.

“As a City organization, our goal was to help these business and property owners get back to their businesses as quickly as possible without sacrificing anyone’s safety,” he said. “Not only did City crews work together to achieve that goal, but the teamwork extended to other agencies and organizations who assisted, such as Guilford County Emergency Services and Duke Energy."

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The City of Greensboro works in partnership with the community to build an increased quality of life for all residents by fostering an environment where inclusion, diversity, and trust are valued. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a dedicated professional staff of 2700 employees who maintain four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City of Greensboro is governed by a council-manager form of government where a mayor and eight council members act as the legislative body. For more information on the City of Greensboro, please visit us online at www.greensboro-nc.gov.