Dunwoody neighbors Gaye Belkin and Ken Burnett surveyed the fallen mighty sweet gum shortly after dawn that stretched from his neatly manicured lawn across Vernon Oaks Drive.
The 60-foot tree was no match for Tropical Storm Irma’s soaking rain and swirling winds. It succumbed about 2 a.m., crashing across the tree-lined street of brick homes near Dunwoody High School, taking a few power poles with it.
WHAT NEXT: 10 things to do once the storm passes
The neighborhood lost power 12 hours earlier Monday afternoon, but the massive tree likely ensured the neighbors would remain in the dark for far longer.
“I heard something and did not know what it was,” Belkin said of sound that awakened her in the night. “My mother heard it and she’s [hard of hearing]. She’s 91. I looked outside and couldn’t see anything.”
By dawn, it was clear what happened.
Statewide, more than 1.2 million customers were without power Tuesday morning, including thousands of Dunwoody residents. Trees were down across the city and many major intersections did not have functioning traffic lights.
PHOTO GALLERY: Tropical Storm Irma arrives in Georgia
Traffic was relatively light as motorists heeded warnings to stay home and schools were closed.
Terry Nall, a Dunwoody city councilman, said the northern DeKalb County city was fortunate, but the cleanup will take time.
ROADS CLOSED: Click here for a list of closures around the Atlanta area.
“Despite the massive power outage and loss of traffic signals, everyone, so far, seems to be calm, patient, and considerate, especially at intersections,” Nall said. “This will not be a quick fix, as outages are expected to last for several days.”
The once towering sweet gum wrapped Burnett’s brick mailbox in a leafy hug. He’d had the mailbox built a year ago after his old one was damaged.
“All things considered, I’m just thankful no one got hurt,” Burnett said. “It’s going to be a hell of a cleanup.”
About 9 a.m., a utility truck pulled up. Workers clad in helmets and reflective yellow coats started assessing the damage.
Next door, Belkin’s mother made coffee by the glow of a flashlight.
On a gas stove, Marilyn Landsberg, 91, heated a lovingly worn two-cup percolator she bought in 1948. The metal vessel had served her well for years.
Her daughter said Landsberg and her trusty percolator survived Hurricanes Andrew and Wilma when she lived in Delray Beach, Fla.
Now, it’s seeing her through Irma.
Landsberg said she knew Irma was likely to knock out power to their Dunwoody home. She ground fresh coffee Monday shortly before the lights went out.
Landsberg, gentle white hair wearing a white-checked robe, said she ground enough beans to last for a few days.
“God forbid we go without coffee,” Landsberg said.
Related coverage
RELATED: Tybee Island cut off from the mainland for now
RELATED: Wife of ex-police chief killed when tree falls on car
About the Author
