BERWICK, Pa. — Many homes in the Berwick Borough are still without power following a storm that wreaked havoc in just a few minutes.
"The sounds were like really bad, especially, you know, with the wind blowing and then with the hail hitting the top of the house," said Annmarie Ahimovic of Berwick.
It was seen just how quickly Wednesday's severe thunderstorm rolled in over Berwick, leaving behind fallen trees and even ripping off pieces of Ahimovic's home.
"There's a lot of all the big trees here, and a lot of them are rotten, and I was afraid like if trees fell, it would hit the house," Ahimovic added.
Just up the road, PennDOT crews worked to remove the trees that had fallen across Route 11, closing the busy road for several hours.
In Brier Creek township, the severe storms destroyed Bloomingail's, a well-known gift and antique shop. The family of the owner told Newswatch 16 that the only worker had closed the shop at 5 p.m., roughly half an hour before the storm came through.
"We've had thunderstorms before, but nothing to this magnitude with the winds and everything else; when the first call came in and just went from one to another," said Chief Bill Coolbaugh, Reliance Fire Company No.1.
Berwick Fire Chief Bill Coolbaugh spent hours working with other first responders and borough crews to clear debris. Following the severe weather, he says only one home was condemned, and that there were no injuries reported.
"I know everybody wants to come out and see damage and stuff, but just give us some time as borough crews get stuff cleaned up. The fire department stations are staffed through the night," added Chief Coolbaugh.
State Route 11 is back open on Wednesday night. According to PPL's outage map, thousands are without power here and in the surrounding area. PPL estimates power to be restored sometime tomorrow.