Severe thunderstorms leave 750 without power in Aroostook County

By Alex Barber, BDN Staff

Posted May 31, 2013, at 8:53 p.m.

FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Severe thunderstorms are blamed for leaving 750 Maine Public Service Co. customers without electricity on Friday evening.

Power outages are scattered across areas of Fort Fairfield, Garfield, Westfield and surrounding towns.

“Customers are reporting many areas with fallen tree limbs due to the fast-moving storm. Winds are subsiding and crews are making good progress with restoration,” read a Maine Public Service statement released at 8:07 p.m. Friday. “Customers are reminded to stay clear of any fallen power lines or trees touching them.”

Maine Public Service said it will work to restore power to as many customers as possible throughout the night, but it will be a time-consuming process because the outages are scattered.

The National Weather Service in Caribou issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Friday evening. It said the storm was capable of producing quarter-sized hail and winds in excess of 60 mph.