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Storm causes problems for the Valley
By DANNY RESTIVO
YOUNGSTOWN
An evening thunderstorm caused power outages, downed electrical lines and scattered tree limbs throughout the Mahoning and Shenango valleys Wednesday.
According to the First Energy website, more than 4,600 people were without power in Trumbull County at 9 p.m., 572 in Mahoning County and nearly 1,000 in Columbiana County, while in western Pennsylvania, Mercer County had more than 5,000 people without electricity, but only a small number of customers lost power in Lawrence County.
According to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindcator’s broadcast partner, Wednesday’s storm brought down a traffic light at Mahoning and West avenues. The storm even forced Head Start and pre-kindergarten classes in Hermitage, Pa., to cancel today because of a power outage.
The Trumbull County 911 emergency dispatch reported several downed lines throughout the county, as well as trees that fell on cars due to the wind. One tree toppled on the fire station in Hartford Township. No one was reported injured.
Campbell Fire Department reported eight incidents of downed lines and tree limbs but said all roadways and power lines were cleared by 9 p.m.
Austintown police reported downed power lines and trees as well, but no injuries or serious damage.
Niles police said the storm caused several trees to split and obstruct roads. The police said all debris and downed power lines were cleared by 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service said residents in Mahoning and Trumbull counties should expect more rain today with a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms and up to 2 inches of precipitation throughout the day. The Shenango Valley may experience less rain with an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms and an inch of rain today, according to the NWS.