PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Widespread power outages are being reported throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania amid whipping winds Sunday afternoon.
According to outage reports, there were nearly 25,000 impacted customers serviced by four utility companies in 20counties as of 5:30 p.m.
Many of the outages are caused by the weather. Strong winds are pulling down poles and wires, said Jane George, a spokeswoman for PPL Electric Utilities.
"Our crews are working around the clock and are ready to respond to any additional outages caused by sustained winds through this evening," George said. "We encourage our customers to be ready in case they do lose power."
PPL Electric Utilities and Penelec estimated restoring service to thousands of its customers by late Sunday evening. Restoration estimates were not immediately available for UGI and Claverak.
If you lose power, PPL recommends:
• Be mindful of the charge on your phone and devices.
• Assume downed wires are energized.
• Keep food, water, medication and pet supplies in an emergency kid.
• Flashlights are safer than candles.
• Do not operate a portable generator in an enclosed area, like a garage, where carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate.
• Keep a safe distance from PPL crews.
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