Fire Damages GC Building
An early morning fire on June 17 has damaged and nearly destroyed a Gate City building that housed two businesses.
Fire officials estimate the fire began around 4:30 a.m. after a power line fell on the back of the building following severe weather and thunderstorms the previous day.
Nancy's Treasures, a floral shop, and Makin' Waves, a hair salon, were located in the building on Kane Street , which is owned by Pete Yoakley.
According to officials, fallen tree limbs forced the power lines onto the back of the building. The National Weather Service reported high winds and thunderstorms rolled through Scott County Tuesday evening and continued through Wednesday morning.
Power outages were also reported in several areas of the county.
The estimated damages to the building have not been determined. Gate City Fire Department, Gate City Police Department and the Scott County Lifesaving Crew responded to the scene.
NWS is predicting more thunderstorms and the possibility of isolated tornadoes on Thursday in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee with a main concern of damaging winds.
Torrential rainfall is expected which may produce flash flooding in small streams, low-lying areas and mud slides. Areas that have received lots of rain over the past few days will be particularly vulnerable to flooding.
Residents are advised to be aware of the potential weather-related issues.