One local tree expert says homeowners should check the condition of trees on their properties, after a fatal accident over the weekend.
Saturday's heavy rains and Sunday's swirling winds likely resulted in a deadly combination as a large tree fell on a passing car in East Rochester, killing the driver and injuring the passenger.
Greg Frank is vice president of Ted Collins Tree and Landscape.
While it appears the wet, windy weather was a major factor, he says homeowners should also check their trees for weakness, even though around 75 percent of trees are in the ground where the roots are.
That includes checking the trunk for wounds or mushrooms, which could indicate rot.
He says they should also check for dead limbs at the top of their trees.
Frank adds there's a misconception that the biggest trees are the strongest and sturdiest.
He says those large trees can harbor stresses and aches and pains that aren't visible on the outside.
East Rochester police tell WXXI news that it was a type of oak tree that fell on Sunday.