A cluster of thunderstorms hit Charlottesville Monday afternoon, downing trees that trapped one driver in a truck on Jefferson Park Avenue and knocked out power for thousands.
Shortly before 4 p.m., a tree entangled in live wires fell across the road near Jefferson Park and Stribling Avenues and onto a white Ford pickup, partly crushing the cab and trapping the driver, said Charlottesville Fire Chief Charles Werner. Crews had to work in still-severe weather and cut power to the immediate area in order to reach the driver, who reported injury but ultimately refused treatment.
Dominion Virginia spokesman Dan Genest said that as of 5 p.m., some 2,500 people in Charlottesville and Albemarle were without power, the bulk of them along JPA and Stribling. While nearly all households appeared to be back online this morning, up to 250 people in the area are still without power, according to Dominion’s outage map.
Today brings a 30 percent chance of more thunderstorms this afternoon. The area will see an increasing likelihood of rain as the week goes on, leading up to a 90 percent chance of showers Friday.