911 service back after fiber cut causes outages in multiple Virginia localities

Va. (WDBJ) - UPDATE: Grayson County reports CenturyLink has repaired a fiber cut, and the phones at its sheriff’s office are back in service. Rockbridge County, Galax, Campbell County, Halifax and Carroll County 911 have also returned to full service. Wythe County 911 service has returned, but if the call doesn’t go through, residents are asked to text 911.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management says the outage was due to a fiber cut in North Carolina Thursday morning.

ORIGINAL STORY: Multiple counties in Virginia are reporting 911 outages Thursday, possibly caused by a fiber cut.

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office said CenturyLink is working to repair a fiber cut in the Marion area. Lines are also down in their office; for assistance, call 911 from a landline or 276-920-4391. The office said restoration is expected in two to three hours.

Campbell County sent an alert Thursday morning advising citizens of a service interruption affecting both landlines and wireless users who tried calling 911, as well as the non-emergency line. Those in need of services in the county should call either 434-215-9985 or 434-215-9240 until service has been restored. Text to 911 is operational.

Minutes later, Rockbridge County also sent an alert, which indicated a multi-state 911 outage. Those in Rockbridge County, as well as the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington, can contact 540-572-4200 for emergency assistance. You can also text 911.

The Galax Police Department informed residents some 911 calls were not working due to a CenturyLink outage. Those in the area can text 911 or call 276-920-4391 in the event of an emergency.

Halifax County has lost ALL land line phones due to the outage. If you need to reach Emergency Services dial 434-579-2870 until further notice. From a cell phone you may also send a text message to 911 and it will go to Halifax County 911 Center.

Carroll County residents can call 276-920-4391 or text 911 if in need of help.

“Approximately around 8:40A When we bank, we began receiving calls about the 911 system. And at 9am We got a call from one of our local squads, and they told us about the 911 system too,” said DeWitt Cooper the chief of Galax Police Department.

In Martinsville and Henry County, 911 lines are operational, but non-emergency lines are down.

Wintergreen reports a regional outage of its 911 phone system. Anyone needing emergency assistance is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 434-325-1106. You can also call fire stations directly... Mountain: 434-325-1051 or Valley: 434-325-8538.

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