Power went out in my part of RVA about 3-4 hours ago (I'm reporting by iphone). It was a series of dramatic transformer explosions. Lots of big branches down in my yard; they are loud when they hit and roll off the roof. Lots of rain and wind and gusts.

I am glad I still have a landline and regular (corded) phone. Cordless phones don't work with no power and cell phones need to be charged. It's nice to know I can call out if needed. I also found a 1980s-era Walkman with radio in my shed out back. It even has a weather radio!

I heard that I-85 at Petersburg is completely blocked by trees. The Fan also apparently has lots of trees down, but I'm not in that part of town so I dint know the extent. VCU area bars are doing a great business, apparently.

If your power goes out and you have an automatic icemaker in your freezer, it's a good idea to fill up water bottles/pitchers/jars with that ice and turn off the ice making switch. Otherwise your freezer will be a wet soggy mess.