High winds causing power problems in New Hope area Monday

UPDATE 4 p.m.: Virtually all of New Hope has electric power restored.

High winds gusting to 60 mph Monday were keeping residents in the greater New Hope area on edge about their power supply.

As of 10:30 a.m., power outages were reported at New Hope’s Waterworks development, West Bridge Street and Village 2. A PECO outage map showed 1,951 customers affected in the New Hope and Solebury Township area, with an estimated repair time of 1:10 p.m.

Lambertville had 1,140 customers affected as of 11:15 a.m., with an estimated restoration time of 1 p.m.

And power problems impacted nearby West Amwell, N.J., beginning around 8 a.m. Monday.

“There are major power outages throughout the township due to the strong winds,” West Amwell officials said Monday in an email alert and online. “Over 300 homes are affected in the route 518 area, and another 20 or so in the general Rocktown area. JCP&L is working to restore power, but due to the severity is unable to provide restoration time. West Amwell OEM is monitoring the situation.”

And downed poles and a brush fire closed parts of Brunswick Pike, Rock Road West, Route 31 and Corsalo and Hewitt roads in West Amwell Monday morning.

High winds were reported across the Delaware Valley.

“Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph and gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage,” advised the National Weather Service. “Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected.”

The intense winds were expected to abate by evening.