Motorists on eastbound NC-54 have experienced heavy traffic throughout the morning and afternoon on Friday due to a power outage in the area.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said at 11:34 a.m., the stretch of the highway between Farrington Road and Quadrangle Road experienced traffic signal issues due to a power outage. Lights at Farrington Road and Falconbridge Road were reported to be out shortly before 1 p.m.  The department listed the issue as a weather-related event and closed the Interstate 40 exit onto 54 East as repairs were being done.

Businesses along Highway 54 near the I-40 exit were also reportedly experiencing power outages.

Traffic maps show motorists in the area could experience significant delays, with stoppages at times beginning near East Barbee Chapel Road.

The region has been in a high wind advisory since early Friday morning, which is set to end around 4 p.m.

According to a map from NCDOT, the work on the power lines is expected to be complete around 3:30 p.m. on Friday.