The freezing rain has resulted in major electrical outages and downed tree limbs and branches in the Junction City – Abilene area as well as other locations around the state such as Abilene, Hutchinson, and Emporia.

Yvonne Etzel of Westar Energy said Sunday morning there is a lot of damage in those areas. “Currently we’re looking at about 10,000 customers that are out right now. This is all due to the freezing rain that occurred last night that’s caused a lot of downed power lines and tree limbs in all these locations.”

Etzel reported in the Junction City – Manhattan area the Westar Energy outage map shows it could be Tuesday before electric service is restored to all customers. “As our crews get into all the different neighborhoods and start making repairs we’ll be able to get more accurate estimated restoration times and you can find those on our outage map on our website.”

Etzel said 13 crews have been called in to assist in the Junction City – Manhattan area. Seven crews have been called in to help in Abilene and Hutchinson, and five in Emporia. “It’s just such a big mess, that until we get in there, and get our crews in there and figure out where we can restore the most customers the fastest….that’s what we’re dealing with.”

Ice is coating trees resulting in damage. Cracking and popping of limbs and branches from the weight of the ice can be heard frequently.