FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. — Severe weather damaged more than two dozen power poles in Winchester, Virginia, Tuesday night. The storm damage left thousands of people in the dark overnight, but an "all-hands approach" has gotten all outages restored Wednesday morning.
Crews from the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) worked through the night to repair damage caused by a storm that made its way through Frederick County, Virginia Tuesday evening.
The storm caused power lines to fall in the Greenwood Road area and crews are working to restore service through the night, according to officials. It is reported that around 25 poles and wires were broken.
Officials said that most of the damage and power outages occurred along State Route 657 and adjacent communities nearby Greenwood Mill Elementary School.
REC crews on scene reported damage similar to what occurs during a microburst — or the equivalent of a small tornado.
REC has called in contract workers and additional mutual-aid support to assist in the repairs.
Casey Hollins, REC's Director of Communications, said all outages had been restored as of 5:30 a.m.
"With assistance from Shenandoah Valley Electric Co-op, contract crews and crews from all of REC’s offices worked immediately and continuously overnight to ensure all damage was repaired and power restored. This massive undertaking was accomplished in an all-hands approach and we are grateful for the assistance that helped make this possible. There were dozens of downed and broken poles that caused road closures and safety hazards," Hollins said in an email statement.
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