CHESTER, Va. (WTVR) - Falling trees, broken limbs and high winds took down power lines all over Virginia. Representatives from Dominion Virginia Power said the bad weather caused power outages for more than 100,000 customers.
In hard hit places like Chesterfield and Petersburg, Dominion said their crews are going to try and have everyone's power back on by Saturday night, but said the work may have to spill into Sunday.
[Click here to see where Dominion is working today]
The loss of electricity is also affecting drivers. Traffic lights were out at the intersection of Ironbridge and Lewis Rd. Friday morning. Even with a police officer parked at the intersection, some drivers forgot the rule to treat the intersection like a four-way stop when the lights are out.
A few miles away off of Happy Hill Road, Anne Blankenship said she was happy to have power after watching the lights flicker on and off during the storm. She learned to be ready after losing power for a whole week after a powerful storm last year.
“Well, I made sure all my lanterns had batteries,” Blankenship said. “And I had my radio batteries."
Her neighbor Bill Hicks, Sr. wasn’t too worried about losing power at his house. He was worried about some local businesses being without electricity though.
"If there's a fear into me about when the power goes out is that gas stations aren't operating,” Hicks, Sr. said. “If the gas stations aren't operating, you can have all the generators you want. But if you don't have any fuel, you're going to be hurting.”
Hick’s Sr. lost power for a short time at his Chester home last night, but said it was back on early Friday morning.
A representative from Dominion Virginia Power said one of the most important things you can do when the power goes out is to make sure you turn off your stove and major appliances. You don't want to blow a fuse, or worse, catch your house on fire when the power comes back on.
