Storms leave thousands without power in Chester County

KENNETT TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A fast-moving storm Tuesday night left tens of thousands of people without electricity across Chester County.

Power outages peaked at about 40,000 customers, and roughly 10,000 remained without electricity as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Chester County Office of Emergency Management.

A dark, ominous sky moved over the county Tuesday night, bringing thunder, lightning and heavy rain. In Honeybrook, flashes of lightning lit up the sky as thunder cracked overhead.

The storm knocked out electricity in parts of Kennett Township for hours. Mike Magee, who was out buying more gas for his generator, said the outages stretched overnight.

"It was pretty intense for a little while. Power was out from about 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., and now it's out again," Magee said.

Utility crews spent the day clearing branches from wires as Creek Drive remained shut down and power service stayed inconsistent.

Despite steady rainfall Wednesday, residents said it was nothing compared to the previous night's storm.

Magee described the lightning as unlike anything he had seen.

"The most intense lightning I've ever seen in my life. Lots of winds. Felt like the house was going to blow away," he said.