The Public Works Department is waiving restrictions for collection of tree limbs and cuttings, brush and other storm debris to help city residents affected by Thursday’s storm. The waiver will be in effect for three weeks.
The waiver is for residents who pay the full refuse fee. The restrictions waived include the volume and weight of debris and the size of the debris pile.
City residents are asked to place the debris at the edge of their property line, but do not block sidewalks or allow the debris to extend into the roadway. Also, debris should be placed away from utility poles, guide wires, mailboxes, and fire hydrants.
Do not mix tree limbs, cuttings, and brush with other debris such as roofing tiles, fence materials, or other items damaged during the storm. Also, do not mix garbage with the debris pile.
Tree stumps and root balls are not collected. Contractors are required to chip or haul their cuttings.
A storm bringing damaging wind and heavy rain moved through the city on Thursday between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. At the height of the storm, more than 5,000 Danville Utilities customers in the city and Pittsylvania County were without power as trees and limbs fell over power lines. Four utility poles were broken.
The heaviest damage from fallen trees and limbs occurred in the Westover area. The National Weather Service today reported that the damage in that area was the result of a microburst with winds above 80 mph. A microburst is an intense small-scale downdraft produced by a thunderstorm or rain shower.
The microburst encompassed parts of Wills Street, Charlotte Avenue, Brook Circle, Shumate Street, and Shady Lane.
Community Development inspectors today will perform a street-by-street inspection of houses in the Westover area to assess storm damage.
Danville Utilities tree and line crews and contract crews continue working today to restore power service. About 400 customers, mostly in the Westover area, remained without power this morning. Most if not all will have power restored by the end of the day.