Crews Work To Restore Power, Clear Roads

Efforts were underway Friday to restore power and clear roadways in the New Hope-Lambertville area after a strong line of thunderstorms Thursday evening caused damage.

The storms knocked out power to thousands and sent trees and limbs crashing down across local roadways.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, PECO reported just over 2,100 customers in the area remained without service.

Comcast and Verizon customers also reported service disruptions.

Bucks County spokesperson James O’Malley said numerous road closures were reported throughout the region.

Solebury Township officials said multiple roads that has been blocked by trees or wires had been cleared by Friday morning, but still closures still remained.

The City of Lambertville said its Convenience Center/Public Works Yard will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon for branches, limbs, and other storm debris. The dropoff location is 120 Quarry Street.

Street flooding had largely dissipated by late Friday night as the rain quickly moved through.

The National Weather Service said it had received multiple reports of large trees and branches down in Bucks County.

“From the damage reports we have received thus far from the storms June 19, it appears the damage was caused by straight-line winds of 60 to 70 mph,” forecasters said. “At this point we don’t see any evidence that a tornado occurred.”

PECO stated that more than 1,400 contractors and crews from other utilities were assisting PECO crews in the region, with an additional 250 workers arriving Friday afternoon.

“These dedicated crews are working alongside PECO’s employees to repair the extensive damage and get the lights back on as quickly as possible,” the company said in a statement.

PECO officials urged people to stay away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment and to report downed lines by calling 800-841-4141.

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