"We need to make sure there aren't power lines involved with the tree removal so we can get the appropriate crews out. This does take time. We focus primarily in that first stretch on trees that are on houses and blocking traffic. So if you have a tree that's now blocking your sidewalk or driveway, we do not respond to those calls first. We do have to get the trees off the houses and the roads open for vehicles first," he added.

Inspectors also were out in force Friday. Officials said most of the tree damage in the city was reported south of William Street, or in the southern third of the city. However, scattered downed trees were reported throughout the city.

Meanwhile, restaurant staff at Canalside was serving lunch and opening the bar when the ferocious storm rolled in. The sky turned black and blue, said Alex Gaylord, assistant food and beverage manager at The Dish.

"We just got this wave of rain, torrential wind and sand all at once," he said. "Everything was blowing over."

Employees shepherded customers, including one in a wheelchair, into the kitchen for shelter, he said.

Several minutes later, a woman and boy ran down the boardwalk to the restaurant where she told employees that her two grandchildren were on water bikes in the river.