Winds as high as 74 mph have knocked out power to more than 75,000 homes and businesses in Western Virginia, sent numerous trees crashing down and prompted the mandatory evacuation of hundreds of residences in the Montvale area threatened by a forest fire. Smoke from wind-driven brush fires in Roanoke County has forced police to close the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 near the Hollins exit, and both lanes of U.S. 460 near Bonsack.

Gov. Tim Kaine has declared a state of emergency as a result of wind-driven wild fires reported statewide.

Bedford County used its reverse 911 system to call more than 500 telephone numbers and issue an evacuation order earlier today in the area west of Goose Creek Valley Road and from Camp Jaycee Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A forest fire that covered 50 to 60 acres Saturday evening had grown to more than 400 to 500 acres by this morning, said county spokesman Bill Hoy. After that, heavy winds created so much smoke that gauging the size of the fire became impossible.

An emergency evacuation center has been set up for residents of the affected area at the new Montvale Elementary School, Hoy said. No pets are allowed.

Roanoke County firefighters, meanwhile, are fighting three brush fires sparked by downed power lines. More than 40 firefighters are trying to control a 75-acre fire in the Loch Haven Drive area, just northwest of Interstate 81. The fire had been sending smoke across the interstate, resulting in the closure of southbound lanes and a four-mile backup. Another brush fire is reported in the Bonsack area, and had resulted in U.S. 460 being closed in both directions. Another brush fire at Leffler Lane in Back Creek is under control.

Winds as fast as 67 mph were clocked at Roanoke Regional Airport about 4 p.m., and a 74 mph gust was measured in Hot Springs. Gusts topping 60 mph were common across Southwest Virginia.

Appalachian Power reports thousands of customers in the region are without electricity because of downed power lines, including more than 10,000 in Roanoke County alone. Authorities have responded to numerous reports of downed trees, some of which have obstructed traffic, knocked out electrical lines or fallen on homes. So far no injuries have been confirmed.

The Roanoke City Public School System is reporting that its schools will be closed Monday due to major power outages. Employees are asked to follow Code Red procedures.