Weather

Storms Close Road, Causes Power Outages In New Hope-Lambertville Area

More storms are expected on Tuesday.

PECO crews performing work. File photo.

Strong storms pushed through Bucks and Hunterdon counties Tuesday.

The two lines of storms unleashed strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread damage after a sweltering day of heat and humidity.

The were scattered reports of damage from the storms in the New Hope and Lambertville areas.

There were scattered power outages In Solebury Township and the City of Lambertville, but most had been resolved by Wednesday morning.

The city said Jersey Central Power and Light had 166 homes without service Tuesday night.

As of Wednesday morning, the city reported 100 customers on Cottage Hill remained without power but were expected to have it returned by late afternoon.

Due to the heat, the city opened the Pittore Justice Center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Lambertville Free Library from noon to 9 p.m. as cooling centers.

River Road (Route 32) in Solebury Township was closed between Paxton Road and Upper York Road (Route 263) due to multiple trees in wires, police said.

Hunterdon County officials did not report any road closures in the City of Lambertville.

PECO noted that at the peak of the storm Tuesday night, approximately 130,000 customers experienced power disruptions, with the majority of the damage in Chester County.

PECO has called in additional mutual aid crews from Alabama, Indiana, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Virginia.

The National Weather Service has warned of another round of potent thunderstorms expected Wednesday afternoon and evening. However, relief is in sight as the forecast predicts a drop in temperatures and humidity starting Thursday.

PECO has issued a safety reminder urging residents to steer clear of storm-damaged electrical equipment, including downed power lines and tree limbs in contact with power lines. The company advised that all such equipment should be considered energized and dangerous.

Residents who encounter downed power lines are encouraged to report them immediately to PECO at 1-800-841-4141.

The forecast ahead:

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between midnight and 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 73. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 91.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

About the author

Tom Sofield

Tom Sofield has covered news in Bucks County for 12 years for both newspaper and online publications. Tom’s reporting has appeared locally, nationally, and internationally across several mediums. He is proud to report on news in the county where he lives and to have created a reliable publication that the community deserves.

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