The storm that brought all the rain and wind overnight is out of here, but not before causing damage in Central Pennsylvania. The strong wind brought down a tree and power lines in Northumberland County, and the problem kept Route 61 between Sunbury and Shamokin closed most of the day on Thursday.
The detour has caused headaches for many drivers in that part of Northumberland County.
Drivers trying to get to the Shamokin area were greeted by a detour sign at the intersection of Route 61 and Anthracite Road.
"I'm trying to get home, but with the road closed I'm not exactly sure how to get there," said Rich Higgins.
According to PennDOT, heavy wind in the morning blew a tree into a utility pole, bringing down several power lines. PPL crews were on scene fixing the damage on the busy roadway. A mile and a half stretch of Route 61 between Sunbury and Shamokin was closed. Detoured drivers were not happy they had to go about two miles out of their way.
"It wastes time. I have to detour back down through the road and go all the way out," said Steven Reigle.
"It is annoying because it's 61 and that is the main stretch to get to Elysburg from where I'm coming from, so it is annoying," said Higgins.
The detour isn't only affecting people on their commutes. The Bed Barn is located right in the middle of the road closure, and the owner said the detour is bad for business.
"The firemen have it stopped either way about a half mile on either side of us so you can't really get to the bed barn," said Joseph Katch, the owner.
Clifford Shoop was trying to get home to Paxinos. He said he is used to taking detours in this area.
"It happens a lot. Well, the underpass when it floods out in Sunbury so we have to detour around that," said Shoop.
The State Police Barracks at Stonington is also located in the area of the detour, but troopers were allowed to get in and out.