Local

Oak tree falls onto Decatur home

DECATUR, Ga. — Two women inside a Decatur home were awakened by a tree falling onto their house Wednesday morning.

The Decatur Fire Department said a large oak tree fell onto the two-story home on McDonough Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday, but hours later, part of the tree was still standing and posed a threat.  The roof of the home is now cracked, with the front porch area leaning out.

The homeowners, who did not want to appear on camera, told Channel 2's Sophia Choi they heard a loud crack, grabbed their two dogs and ran out of the house. Everyone got out of the home safely and firefighters said the residents are now staying with neighbors.

McDonough Street between Oakview Road and Hill Street was shut down as repairs were made. Firefighters also cut off power to a dozen homes.

Choi said several neighbors checked out the site after learning that their electricity was out.

"Well, I woke up and there was no power and I heard sirens, and there were blinking lights outside my window. Then, a flood light, so I figured a huge tree probably fell on something," neighbor Laurie Watel said.

City officials said because the incident happened on private property, the homeowners’ insurance will have to cover the tree removal.

Neighbors said the incident was a wake-up call, urging them to check out trees near their own homes.