The U.S. nuclear safety regulator said Monday it was monitoring a Virginia nuclear power plant operated by Dominion Resources after a tornado cut its electrical power on Saturday.
Reactors at Dominion Virginia Power's Surry Power Station shut down after what appeared to be a tornado touched down in the station's switchyard and access road, .
"Both reactors at the station shut down automatically as designed and back-up diesel generators started immediately to provide electricity necessary to maintain both units in a safe and stable condition," said a statement from Dominion Virginia Power, according to the Times-Dispatch.
The site lost power around 7 p.m. ET Saturday, The Virginia Gazette said.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said the Surry plant's diesel generators and safety systems operated as required, and that plant operators have partially restored off-site power to the plants.
"No release of radioactive material has occurred beyond those minor releases associated with normal station operations," the Dominion statement said.
"The apparent tornado did not strike the two nuclear units, which are designed to withstand natural events such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes."