American Electric Power (AEP) contractors making repairs to damaged power liners on College Street, March 5, 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo. 
American Electric Power (AEP) contractors making repairs to damaged power liners on College Street, March 5, 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo. 
American Electric Power (AEP) contractors making repairs to damaged power liners on College Street, March 5, 2025. Photo by Jacob Clavijo. 
Lynchburg Fire Department investigating reports of smoke-like smell at the University of Lynchburg, March 5, 2025. Photo by Ellie Simmers.
Live Updates:
(4:35 p.m.): The school announced that power has been restored across campus. Classes will return to normal on March 6.
(1:13 p.m.): Drysdale Student Center, Shackelford Hall, and Westover Hall have had power restored.
By The Critograph Editorial Team
Late Wednesday morning, the University of Lynchburg announced that it would close for the remainder of the day due to a power outage that affected multiple buildings on campus. According to the Office of Marketing and Communications (MarCom), the power outage was caused by lightning that struck a tree and damaged power lines.
“Due to the power outage, the university will be closed for the remainder of the day,” the university announced in a LiveSafe notification sent out to students. “Most of the campus will still be without power until repairs are made.”
Reports of a smoke-like smell were made from multiple buildings, including The Dillard Fine Arts Center, Hall Campus Center, and Tate Hall. Students were asked to evacuate these buildings as the Lynchburg Fire Department investigates.
Contractors with American Electric Power (AEP) were seen making repairs to power lines on College Street outside of Schewel Hall.
As of 12:50 p.m., contractors have no estimation as to when power will be restored on campus.
The university has also announced that Dining Services will reopen at 12:45 p.m. for their lunch services.
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