Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Parker Slaybaugh
Lynchburg, VA - Thousands are still sitting in the dark Monday evening, and it could be days until the power's back on for some.
The weekend snowstorm knocked out the power and had utility crews hard at work Monday afternoon. That's when we caught up with crews in Campbell County where Appalachian Power reports the lights are back on as of Monday evening. But that's not the case everywhere.
The Matney family in Lynchburg spent Presidents Day in the dark. Karen Matney and her kids are trying to make light of having to sit in the dark.
"We went out to lunch, and out to a movie, and then came home and went out to dinner," said Karen.
But losing life's simple luxuries isn't easy. Gas logs and candlelight don't heat an older home well enough for a modern family.
"It was really cold," said Elizabeth Matney.
"It's freezing," said Jonathan Matney.
"We snuggled under the blankets last night," said Karen.
This is the longest the Matneys have gone without electricity. The lights went out in the middle of the snowstorm when the neighbor's tree came down on a power line and the block went black.
"It sounded like a fireworks display going off," said Karen. "And then the power went out."
A different story in Campbell County where crews spent the afternoon fixing lines and restoring power after a fire on a utility pole turned out the lights.
"Any phase to phase is 12,500 volts and they don't like each other," said Paul Beran, foreman, utility crew.
Fortunately, crews got Campbell County Resident Jay Wright back on the grid just in time to light our on-camera interview. Now, if crews could just do the same for the Matneys.
"I want to stop and ask them to come over here next," said Karen, laughing.
