Thousands lose power in Centre County after Saturday afternoon storm with high winds
Thousands of people were without power Saturday evening after a storm brought high winds to the Centre County area.
More than 7,300 West Penn Power customers were experiencing outages as of 7:30 p.m. According to West Penn Power’s outage map, most of those were in Ferguson Township (1,019) and Snow Shoe Township (954). State College Borough had 748 without power, and other outages were scattered throughout the county.
By 8 p.m., most had been restored in Ferguson Township and there were 260 without power in State College. More than 4,900 customers in Centre County were still without power.
More than 2,300 were still without power as of 8 a.m. Sunday, with most of the outages in the Snow Shoe area. Pine Glen Fire Company is open as a warming shelter and open to all, it posted on Facebook. The fire company will have coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea available. It is located at 1003 Pine Glen Road, Karthaus.
After spring-like temperatures earlier Saturday, a storm rolled through central Pennsylvania Saturday afternoon and brought high winds. Local fire companies were called to numerous reports of downed trees and wires, according to dispatch reports.
In addition to a severe thunderstorm watch and warning earlier Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory that was in effect through 2 a.m. Sunday.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR POWER IS OUT
West Penn Power customers can report outages online or text REG to 544487. Downed power lines should be reported to 911. Stay at least 30 feet from all downed or low-hanging power lines, and always assume they are energized and dangerous, West Penn Power advises.
REMINDER: High winds can down poles, wires & trees. Stay at least 30 feet from all downed or low-hanging power lines! Always assume they are energized + dangerous. Use extra caution where lines could be hidden or tangled in trees or debris.
Report downed lines ASAP 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/4OiNwaRuTr— West Penn Power (@W_Penn_Power) April 1, 2023
If the power in a home or business does go out, here are tips to stay safe until crews arrive.
Check circuit and fuses to make sure power is out before reporting
Check with neighbors to see if others in your area are affected
Keep refrigerators and freezers closed
Disconnect appliances and electronics
Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator after four hours without power
