GREENSBORO, N.C. – Duke Energy brought in some 450 utility workers to help restore power knocked out by the Sunday storm.

"Typically we try to get them all concentrated in one spot or get them logistically placed," said Duke Energy's Davis Montgomery.

In past years, the utility workers used the Sheraton at the Koury Convention Center, with trucks staging in the huge parking lot with quick access to the interstate.

"That just wasn't possible this time just because most of the hotels already had their bookings," said Montgomery.

The Spring Furniture Market is the culprit; it started the day before the tornado hit.

"We just found rooms wherever we could find them, and I think we've got them scattered about, in about 5 or 6 places," said Montgomery.

The crews staged at Bessemer Elementary School, and they will start heading home as soon as repairs progress to get ready for spring.

The market wraps up Wednesday, and will free some rooms.