When severe storms passed through Wake County on Sunday evening, several trees were blown down.

According to the National Weather Service, several downed trees were reported in Willow Springs and several bystanders told WRAL News they saw several downed trees along Interstate 40 between Raleigh and Benson.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed that some trees had fallen onto the highway, but that workers had cleared them from the road and were now focusing on clearing the debris.

A WRAL News viewer from Willow Springs reported that a large branch broke off a tree and fell into her yard. She added that other trees had fallen, but most were in the woods.

The majority of the storm damage appears to be confined to Willow Springs.

Residents of McGee’s Crossroads in Johnston County said some trees were snapped and fell on power lines. In Willow Springs, more than 800 residents are without power.

While many people told WRAL News the storm damage was caused by a tornado, the National Weather Service said the damage was likely caused by a microburst.

“Essentially, the storm lost its updraft or fuel, so it couldn’t hold the moisture anymore and it ended up in the clouds and pushed it to the ground,” said WRAL meteorologist Anthony Baglione. “It had nowhere to go but spread along the ground and cause damage that can look like a tornado.”

Baglione said there was no evidence of rotation on radar.

“The atmosphere has turned on the jet setting on its humidity hose,” he said.

The National Weather Service issued severe weather warnings for Wake and Johnston counties between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The severe threat had disappeared shortly before midnight.

WRAL News has issued a weather alert day due to the threat of strong winds and hail damage from isolated storm cells that could occur in central North Carolina.

The fallen trees are causing several traffic jams on the highway as drivers try to avoid them. If you have photos of storm damage, please share them here.