Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Power has been restored to parts of downtown Columbus.

Downtown stoplights are now functioning. The return of electricity is a sign that things are slowly improving in the community more than four days after Tropical Storm Helene caused extensive damage across the region.

Thousands of Duke Energy crew members are working to repair power lines damaged Helene. If you encounter crews out working, please keep your distance to allow them to safely complete their work.