Thousands lose electrical power

An estimated 27 thousand power outages are reported in Oconee County.  On E. Main Street, West Union, Upstate Children’s Center has lost power, and the owner is allowing parents to return to pick up their children.  They should do that by avoiding E. Main from the vicinity of Burger King, where an electric power line has fallen across the street.  The police and fire personnel are on the scene.  A tree has fallen on Doyle Street in the Five Forks Community.  Power lines are reported down on Sheep Farm Road and Hi-Tec roads in the Seneca area.  All non-essential Seneca city offices are closed this morning.  The mayor says a re-evaluation will be made at 11 this morning.  So, that means City Hall offices are closed this morning.  Oconee County offices are closed, but an attempt is being made to restore service to the voter office if a member of the public simply has to cast a ballot today for emergency reasons.  County Administrator Brock says county offices are closed, but the plan is to re-open them at noon.