Weather brings down trees, wires; thousands lose power

From staff reports

Dispatchers at the 911 centers in both Venango and Clarion counties said about 100 calls regarding downed trees and wires were reported as a result of the high winds and rain that came through the area on Saturday.

Many roads had to be closed but no injuries were reported from any of the incidents, according to both 911 centers.

In addition, thousands of area residents and businesses lost electrical service, according to websites for both Penelec and Central Electric Cooperative, and many customers were still without service as of early Sunday evening.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, according to Venango County 911, roads that remained closed in that county included Sibley Avenue in Franklin, because of trees down; the 800 block of Palm Hill Road in Polk Borough, because of lines down; and Betty Run Road in Canal Township, because of lines down.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, according to Clarion County 911, roads that remained closed in that county included Phillipston Road in Brady Township, because of a downed tree and wires; and Jones Farm Road in Green Township, because of a downed tree and wires. No main roads in that county had to be closed.

Also, as of 5 p.m. Sunday, Penelec customers without power included 1,154 in Venango County, 716 in Clarion County and 120 in Forest County. In a news release issued late Sunday afternoon, Penelec said it would have electrical service restored to the majority of its customers by 11p.m. Tuesday. Central Electric Cooperative customers still without power included 62 in Venango County, 67 in Clarion County and one in Forest County.

According to Venango County 911, the area hit hardest in the county was the 7000 block of Mercer Road in Mineral Township, where 10 trees came down. That area has since been reopened.

A resident of Seventh Street in Franklin told the newspaper that multiple trees came down there, including one that was uprooted and dropped onto a pickup truck.

Things were much quieter on Sunday, according to Venango County 911.

A brush fire was reported at 1:40 p.m. on Horsecreek Road in Seneca, between Routes 157 and 62. Volunteer fire departments from Seneca and Rockland responded. The scene was cleared by 4:55 p.m.

Another brush fire was reported on the power lines near Polk State Center on South Third and Service streets at 2:10 p.m. Polk Borough Volunteer Fire Department responded. The scene was cleared by 3:33 p.m.

Also, a downed tree on Old Route 322 and Fish Road in Canal Township was reported to Venango County 911 at 4:55 p.m.