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A look back at Irma: Good Samaritans clear tree blocking I-16 in Macon

A tree blocked I-16 westbound in Macon during the storm.

Traffic started to back up on I-16 westbound in Macon near exit 6 after a tree fell over onto the lanes during the storm.

When they encountered the mess, a few Good Samaritans coming through the area left their cars in the pouring rain to get traffic moving through the area.

RELATED: A look back at Irma: Volunteers make free BBQ for Irma evacuees on I-75

”We got stuck – we were the first ones that saw this tree come down,” said Mike Crate, who evacuated from his home in south Florida to seek refuge from Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

He was traveling back down when he encountered the fallen tree.

RELATED: Tree removal services busy after Irma

”The only thing we could do is move that tree,” said Crate.

Georgia Department of Transportation crews were ordered to wait until the storm calmed before going out to clear debris.

Crate and two truckers took straps, tied them to tree limbs, and connected the other end to the front ends of the 18-wheelers, backing up and snapping the branches off one-by-one. A Georgia State Patrol officer blocked traffic.

”Whatever we can do – all the crews are tied up trying to clear stuff. Look down the line, see how much it’s backed up? We don’t have much choice. Either sit in it or try to make the best we can,” said Ed Porter, who was transporting a deliver from Sandersville to Macon.

With deadlines to meet, they quickly cleared the mess.

”It’s pretty amazing how everybody got together,” said Crate.

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