BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE:
Appalachian Power workers say a blown transformer caused by a tree that fell about a mile away caused the power outage explosions.
The transformer was damaged beyond repair, and a temporary one will be installed Friday.
What people saw was downed power lines sparking on the ground, as well as sparking by the transformer inside the station.
ORIGINAL STORY:
More than 4,000 AEP customers are without power after two substations shut down Wednesday night, according to AEP.
A series of explosions at the power substation off Country Club Road in Troutville happened just after 9:15 p.m.
PHOTOS OF WIND DAMAGE ACROSS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
As of 10:31 p.m., AEP has no estimated time of restoration.
Due to the power outages in the county, Botetourt County schools announced they will be closed on Friday.
Video was sent to us by Dayna Patrick.