Eucalypts are known for shedding branches, including major branches, in high winds, or when the mood strikes. When I was a kid, it was common knowledge that they were known as "widowmakers" (bacause if a tree falls in a forest and a woman's not there to hear it, her man dies alone), which IIRC is the Australian nickname.

It's not that the trees fall from the root balls, it's that they split. This was a multi-trunked tree that fell, though I didn't get close to where it was to get a good look on Thursday. This is an inherently weak configuration for a tree. The entire plant didn't fall over, just one major section. This was an older tree -- 75-100' tall, probably at least 20-30 years old, not a young thing recently planted.

Incidentally, when we were stopped, a woman reporting the accident needed the location, being unfamiliar with the area. I said "about three miles north of Highway 37", guessing the distance. I clocked it driving back to the house last night. Three miles to the dot on the odometer, within 0.10 miles. I found I was really good at judging road distances several years ago driving through Nevada. Interesting skill....