Thousands lose power in Centre County after severe storm causes downed trees, wires
Thousands lost power Sunday afternoon in Centre County after a severe storm moved through the area and left downed trees and utility wires.
A tornado watch was initially in effect in parts of Pennsylvania, including all of Centre County, through 7 p.m. By 4:40 p.m., the tornado watch had been lifted for the area. A severe thunderstorm warning had also been issued for most of the county Sunday afternoon.
After the storm hit around 3 p.m., more than 10,000 West Penn Power customers in Centre County were without power. By 10 p.m., 8,539 were still without power, with the outages scattered across the area. The most affected areas as of late Sunday night were in State College Borough (2,476 West Penn Power customers), College Township (1,116) and Bellefonte Borough (1,014). Estimated restoration times were not included on West Penn Power’s website.
As of 7 a.m. Monday, 3,706 West Penn Power customers are still without power in Centre County.
Emergency responders across the area were called to numerous reports of trees and wires down, leading to multiple road closures. Fox Hollow Road was closed between Bernel Road and Fillmore Road, with an estimated reopening time of 4 a.m. Monday, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Part of Bishop Street in Bellefonte, between Wilson and Blanchard streets, was also closed, along with Shiloh Road, from Dreibelbis Street to Benner Pike.
Centre County 911 posted Sunday night that state Route 26 over Pine Grove Mountain, between Winchester and Kepler roads, would be closed for an extended period.
The counties surrounding Centre were also included in the tornado watch, along with parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Northwestern Clearfield County was under a tornado warning through 2:30 p.m.
Earlier on Sunday, the NWS warned of a line of strong to severe thunderstorms across western and central Pennsylvania, with damaging winds as the primary threat.
A hazardous weather outlook for Centre County noted that widespread showers with thunderstorms were expected Sunday as a strong cold front moved through.
“A few of these storms could produce damaging wind gusts and an isolated tornado,” the advisory stated.
Severe thunderstorm warnings and wind advisories were issued in other areas of Pennsylvania.
What to do if there’s a power outage
West Penn Power customers can report outages online or text OUT to 544487. Downed power lines should be reported to 1-888-544-4877.
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
What is a tornado watch?
A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in or near the area. A watch generally covers a large area, likely multiple counties or even states, the weather service said. This is the time to be prepared and “review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room,” the NWS said.
A tornado warning indicates a tornado has been seen or indicated by radar and there is imminent danger to life or property, the NWS said. Residents should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and stay away from windows. Those in a mobile home, vehicle or who are outdoors should find shelter and protect themselves from flying debris, the NWS said.
This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 1:39 PM.
