Thousands lose power in NC, SC amid wind and rain

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Thousands of people have lost power across the Carolinas as a cold front sweeps the region with wind and rain, and a landslide has destroyed a home in the mountains.
    The Asheville Citizen-Times reported that heavy rain caused the landslide around 2 a.m. Wednesday in far western North Carolina in Haywood County. One home was destroyed, but its occupants escaped with only minor injuries.
    Emergency crews evacuated eight other homes in the Maggie Valley area.
    Utilities said nearly 20,000 customers have lost power in North Carolina and South Carolina.
    The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory through midnight for central and eastern counties, predicting gusts to 45 mph. A flash flood watch was in effect in the western Carolinas.