CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A string of severe storms and heavy winds that spawned tornados across the Carolinas Tuesday night, left downed trees and blown-down Christmas displays across the Charlotte-area.

Utility crews were called out to the Stallings area off of Old Monroe Road early Wednesday morning.  WBTV has learned that a tree was knocked down during the storm and blocked at least one lane of the Old Monroe Road.

WBTV has learned that work crews managed to push the tree off the road with a backhoe, which helped to reopen the roadway a short time later.

In Cabarrus County, a first-year Christmas lights display took a hit from the winds.  The Carolina Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway had displays blown over during the strong winds.

WBTV's David Whisenant went out to the Speedway and saw roofs blown off of displays in areas like the Bethlehem Village.  Several light displays were also bent during the storm.

MORGANTON - Free diabetes screenings will be offered at the Bost Road Kmart next Monday, December 8.

The screenings will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, call Cholestcheck at 1-800-713-3301.

NORTH CAROLINA - Many North Carolina shoppers plan to start their holiday shopping as soon as the stores open after Thanksgiving, and Attorney General Cooper has urged them to take steps to avoid common problems such as unsafe toys, gifts that can’t be returned, and gift cards that can’t be used. 

“Before you start your hunt for holiday gifts, find out the rules about gift cards and refunds to avoid potential headaches,” Cooper said. “Parents can also learn how to find out which toys, games and gadgets make safe gifts for kids.”