Homes, schools experience power outages as thunderstorms hit Centre County
Several buildings and schools are experiencing power outages Monday morning as Centre County experiences severe thunderstorms.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for northern Centre County until 11:45 a.m. Monday. The storm has winds up to 60 mph and penny-size hail, the National Weather Service said. Among the areas in the storm’s path are Orviston and Monument.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 2 p.m. Monday for Centre County with the possibility of large hail and damaging winds.
Places experiencing outages
State College Area School District is reporting outages in schools across the district. Class is continuing as of 10 a.m. with the district using emergency generators. The phones in affected buildings are down but other means of communication are available.
FirstEnergy’s website shows outages in State College, Spring Township, Philipsburg and Snow Shoe, affecting about 1,500 customers in Centre County. As of 11 a.m., the vast majority of outages were in the Snow Shoe area. A map of all affected areas and information on causes and estimated restoration times can be found on the company’s website. FirstEnergy expects power to be restored between 12:30 and 2 p.m.
Customers can report outages online or text REG to 544487. Downed power lines should be reported to 1-888-544-4877.
Schlow Centre Region Library delayed its opening until 11:15 a.m. due to outages in downtown State College, the library said on Twitter.
Centre Area Transportation Authority tweeted that its Customer Service Center will be closed until further notice.
What to do if your power is out
If the power in a home or business does go out, here are tips to stay safe until crews arrive.
- Check circuit and fuses to make sure power is out before reporting
- Check with neighbors to see if others in your area are affected
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed
- Disconnect appliances and electronics
This story was originally published May 16, 2022 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Homes, schools experience power outages as thunderstorms hit Centre County."