Strong, snowy wind is being blamed for the toppling of six power poles along Muller Lane that set off power failures throughout the Valley and prompted rescue crews to close Highway 395 and Muller Lane late Friday morning.
Reports of power lines across both roadway started streaming in around 11:15 a.m. Friday. There was also reports of a vehicle in close proximity to some felled lines. Units responded to a rescue-type situation where reportedly two occupants were trapped in their vehicle.
NV Energy was called to the scene shortly after, although there was no quick estimate of when lines would be restored. Douglas County Search and Rescue also was called out to assist with traffic control.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office urged travelers to use alternative routes, such as East Valley and Genoa Lane.
The felled poles were only one incident in what became a chaotic, stormy morning with multiple accidents, including a head-on collision on Waterloo Lane, and vehicle-off-the-roadway south of the Corley Ranch on Highway 395.
Power was reported out in Minden, Genoa and the Foothills area.
NV Energy spokesperson Karl Walquist confirmed they received initial calls at about 11:15 a.m. "There are poles and wire down on a power line that extends from the Buckeye Substation to Round Hill," he said. "Apparently when the poles went down, that affected the distribution line that serves about 900 customers in the Muller Lane area. Service is still out for them. Two line crews from Carson are on their way to make repairs.
"No estimate yet on when service will be restored to affected customers."