One Virginia college in some of the communities hit hard by the remenants of Helene is offering assistance to residents.Preview: Appalachian Power says more than 90 thousand Virginians are still without power due to Hurricane Helene. Nearly 300-thousand Appalachian Power customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee lost power Friday, though more than half now have had their electricity restored. The utility expects power to be restored in Fieldale, Rocky Mount, Stuart, Pulaski and Christiansburg today. The Roanoke area should have power restored by tomorrow afternoon, with areas such as Bluefield and Wytheville restored before midnight tomorrow.
The foundation that helps fund improvements along the Blue Ridge Parkway is raising money to replace the roof of the Mabry Mill. The Floyd County mill is a popular attraction along the parkway, but replacing the shingles on the historic structure will cost about 65-thousand dollars. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has raised about two-thirds of the cost so far. Donations are being accepted online at BRP-Foundation-dot-org.
Toyota is recalling 50-thousand vehicles over a possible safety issue in some newer models. The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday and is only for 2023 and 2024 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles. Toyota said the issue could cause some vehicles to brake suddenly in some cases. Toyota is notifying owners of when to take their vehicles in for repairs.