Jun 9, 2009 12:31 pm US/Eastern
Severe Storms Hit The Region
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Scattered power outages, minor flooding and a few fires were reported as severe thunderstorms moved through the region Tuesday morning.
Heavy rain and lightning began pounding parts of the Philadelphia area and Southern New Jersey just before 8 a.m.
The storm was said to be capable of producing penny-size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 miles per hour.
Residents in the region were warned to stay indoors as heavy lightning strikes are being reported throughout the area.
Some flooding has been reported on area roadways. In Philadelphia, rising waters closed the 26th Street tunnel connecting the Schuylkill Expressway and Pennrose Avenue.
Philadelphia Police believe lightning is to blame for bringing a number of power lines in the city, but no major outages have been reported.
Lightning is also blamed for a fire on the 500 block of N. Limerick Road in Schwenksville, Pa.
Residents in a Montgomery County apartment complex were evacuated after flames erupted at the Ardmore Presbyterian Church on Millcreek Road just before 8:30 a.m. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Residents in a West Philadelphia apartment building were evacuated after a lightning strike sent bricks flying from the roof at about 8:30 a.m.
The building at 48th and Pine reportedly shook as a powerful blast struck a brick arch atop the structure. The Department of Licenses and Inspections is examining the building to see if it is safe for tenants to return.
The brief, violent storm left thousands in the tri-state region in the dark. PSE&G reports nearly 15,800 were left without power while Atlantic City Electric reported 6,600. PECO and Delmarva Power have reported scattered outages.
For the latest weather information visit
www.cbs3.com/weather
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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