Power restored to thousands after Carolinas storms

RALEIGH—Utility crews were working to restore service to thousands of customers in the Carolinas after thunderstorms swept the region.
Progress Energy said service had been restored to most customers early this morning. Progress had reported nearly 12,000 customers lost service last night.
Duke Energy said about 3,000 customers were without service Wednesday morning in Mecklenburg County. Another 1,000 customers were without service in Union County.
The utility also said about 1,200 customers in Greenville County, S.C., were without service early Wednesday.
At one time Tuesday night, more than 17,000 Duke customers had lost service.
The Charlotte Observer reported that three house fires apparently were started by lightning in the city and a tree was blown onto a city bus. No injuries were reported