UPDATED STORY: Thousands still without power, cellphone problems reported
DELAWARE (6/23/2015) Severe storms are pounding Delaware and nearby areas, knocking down trees and power lines, damaging buildings and leaving some traffic signals dark.
Delmarva Power reported more than 68,000 electric customers were without service at 7:45 p.m., with 45,000 of those in New Castle County and 25,000 in nearby Maryland. The overall number out was down to 64,000 by 8:40 p.m.
At 8:40 p.m., Delaware Electric Cooperative reports more than 2,200 members lost service in Kent and Sussex counties.
A flood advisory is in effect until 10:15 p.m. for southwestern New Castle County and northern Kent County, where heavy rain fell. More than an inch of rain was measured in less than an hour near the state line west of Kenton, and an inch fell at Port Penn and Glasgow in New Castle County.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect statewide until 11 p.m., the weather service said.
A wind gust of 67 mph was measured at New Castle Airport and one of 62 mph was recorded in Talleyville.
A fire reportedly was started when lightning hit a house in the Newark area.
A three-story building at Sixth and Lincoln streets in Wilmington had part of the roof blown off about 5:45 p.m.
SEPTA reports train 5265 to Newark is running 107 minutes late.
New Castle County police issued this warning for anyone using portable generators: “We know there are some communities without electricity. We want to remind you that if using a portable generator NEVER use it indoors. This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation.”
