US: Storm leaves Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the darkness

 

Trenton, New Jersey: Powerful storms that ploughed through eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey downed trees and power lines, leaving nearly 400,000 without electricity and disrupting mass transit service in both states on Wednesday.

In Pennsylvania, PECO says more than 165,000 homes and businesses were without power. Chester and Delaware counties were hardest hit, and officials said full service might not be restored until the weekend.

Forecasters are trying to determine whether straight-line winds or a tornado caused most of the damage. The National Weather Service says a 114km/h wind gust was recorded at Philadelphia International Airport.

The PATCO Speedline between southern New Jersey and Philadelphia was not operating during Wednesday’s rush because of power problems. Trains were expected to be running after midmorning. New Jersey Transit has suspended service on its Atlantic City rail line.

The South-eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority suspended service along some regional rail lines.

Four people sustained minor injuries when a building collapsed in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.

In New Jersey, nearly 200,000 homes and businesses were without electricity Wednesday morning after the storms, some packing 120km/h winds, thundered through the region.

Gloucester, Camden and Salem counties were among the hardest hit areas. Complete utility restoration could take several days.

The NWS is investigating whether a tornado formed in parts of Gloucester County.

Strong winds ripped off part of the Deptford Mall’s exterior. More than 30 animals were left stranded when a pet shop roof fell in in Gibbstown.

Parents and students scrambled when the storms formed as the Egg Harbor Township High School graduation ended.

There are no reports of injuries.

In New Hampshire, the fast-moving storm knocked out power in in Colebrook, Columbia, Pittsburg and Stewartstown, but most service was restored before morning.

The strong storm system was the same that had spawned tornadoes in the Midwest, including at least nine in northern Illinois.

As the storms moved through southeastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday evening, the sky blackened and commuter train service was halted beginning at rush hour. Amtrak suspended its North-east Corridor and Keystone services from Washington through Philadelphia and on to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but restored service about two hours later.


Source: Gulfnews