Squirrel cuts power for more than 3,000 people in one city

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The power has been restored in one North Carolina city after a squirrel caused a massive power outage Wednesday morning.

Duke Energy confirmed with WLOS that the power was back on just after 8:30 a.m. in Asheville, located in the western part of the state. Officials said a squirrel had gotten into some wiring and caused the outage that impacted more than 3,000 customers in the downtown area.

Because of the outage, Buncombe County's downtown office were delayed opening until later in the morning. This delayed opening impacted government facilities several locations. These services include, but are not limited to, the Register of Deeds, Planning, Tax Collections, the Health Department, Government Administration, Family Justice Center, Election Services and Economic Services.

All operations at the Health and Human Services Building were open, including COVID-19 vaccine administration for children six months and older with no appointment needed. Customers and clients visiting other Buncombe County offices in the downtown area were advised to call ahead to ensure the office was open if they planned to arrive before 10:30 a.m.