Power is being restored in storm-ravaged areas

Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J.

Utility crews were working around the clock to clear toppled trees and other debris as power slowly was being restored to the hundreds of thousands of people in the Northeast who were affected by a fast-moving ferocious storm system that caused two deaths.

The line of storms – which packed heavy rains, lightning and dangerous winds – knocked down transmission lines and wires as it thundered through eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut on Tuesday night.

In Pennsylvania, PECO said about 121,000 homes and businesses remained without power Wednesday afternoon. In New Jersey, nearly 180,000 homes and businesses were without electricity.

Officials said full service might not be restored to some customers until the weekend. For others, it may take even longer.

Forecasters were trying to determine whether straight-line winds or a tornado caused most of the damage. The National Weather Service said a 71 mph wind gust was recorded at Philadelphia International Airport.