Most Virginia power restored

(WDBJ) - UPDATE: Fewer than 3,000 Virginia Appalachian Power customers were still without power Sunday morning, according to the company’s outage map, after wind eased throughout the region.

At least one of the problem areas, which included southeast Roanoke south into Franklin County along Route 116, was affected by a wind-downed power line along Bandy Road that started two small brush fires, according to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.

ORIGINAL STORY: Appalachian Power has reported widespread outages as a result of high winds leaving about 12,000 customers in Virginia without electric service. Outages began around noon Saturday and will likely continue to rise until later Saturday night, when winds lighten.

Appalachian Power reports it will not be able to provide accurate restoration estimates until the weather threat passes and the company can determine the extent of damage to electrical facilities.

“All downed lines are dangerous and carry an electric current that can cause serious or even fatal injuries. If you encounter a fallen wire, keep yourself and others away from it and anything it may be touching, and call 911 and Appalachian Power at 1-800-956-4237 immediately,” according to a statement from the utility.

More details about outages can be found at appalachianpower.com/.