High winds cause damage

Article Photos

LEWISTOWN - The high winds that pushed through the area on Wednesday and Thursday caused widespread power outages throughout Pennsylvania; however, the Juniata Valley remained relatively unscathed.

Mifflin County Public Safety Director Phil Lucas said that for the most part, there was only minor damage from the wind storm.

"(There were) sporadic power outages covering a broad area of the county," Lucas said.

Lewistown, McClure, McVeytown, Milroy, Mount Union and Newtown Hamilton residents all reported power outages, according to a release from First Energy Corp.

Lucas said most outages were repaired within a two- to three-hour time period.

"We had some businesses and residents with minor damage," Lucas said of secondhand reports that trickled in throughout the day on Thursday.

"There were some downed power lines, and a couple of transformers were damaged," Lucas said.

In Juniata County, Emergency Services Director Allen Weaver said there were only 12 reports of trees and wires down, but no severe damage had been reported.

"(There was) no property or building damage that I am aware of ... no widespread power outages," Weaver said.

First Energy Corp. reported some power outages in East Waterford and Honey Grove.

As of Thursday afternoon, the most damaging wind gusts were believed to have passed through the area, National Weather Service Meteorologist Craig DeVoir said.

DeVoir said that in the winter months, the jet stream is directly over the contiguous 48 states and wind events like this one are not unusual for this time of year.

"Most of the damaging wind is coming to an end; the frequency and magnitude has decreased," DeVoir said.

By today, DeVoir said, a high pressure system has settled over the area and the winds should significantly subside in strength and intensity.