After a storm system moved through Lincoln County Thursday night and early Friday morning, emergency crews have been busy working to restore power to residents and businesses.

The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Civil Defense and Emergency Management Agency released a report saying the storm damaged houses, electrical and gas lines and caused blocked roadways.

“We are asking folks to be patient as city, county and utility emergency crews work to clear areas and restore services,” said civil defense director Clifford Galey. “Please stay off the roads in the affected areas for your own safety and that of our workers.”

Initial reports show nine homes with major damage and eight homes and two businesses with minor damage.

Lucy Shell, Magnolia Electric Power Association spokesperson, said they had approximately 1,300 customers out of power as of 5 p.m. Friday. Shell said there has been more damage than originally thought with seven broken poles and numerous cases of wires down due to fallen trees.

“The going is slow, but they’re working,” she said.

Shell said the workers plan to continue restoring the power lines throughout the night until everyone’s power is back on.

Entergy was unavailable for comment. Their website reports that more than 5,000 customers in Lincoln County and the surrounding areas have been without power.