Severe Storms Cause Fatality, Power Outages, and Damage in Wake County, NC
Severe storms swept through Wake County, North Carolina, on the evening of July 28, 2026, leaving widespread damage in their wake. The storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and a tornado warning, resulting in downed trees, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions. A 71-year-old man, Mike Ferguson, tragically lost his life when a tree fell on his home in Raleigh. At the peak of the storm, over 12,000 Duke Energy customers in Wake County were without power. Emergency crews worked tirelessly throughout the night to address storm-related incidents, clear debris, and restore power to affected areas. The storms also caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of a transmission tower.