Area storms bring funnel clouds, strong winds and flooding

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Severe thunderstorms brought funnel clouds, heavy rain and strong winds to the area on Thursday.

Two funnel clouds were spotted during the storms in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The first one was captured by a viewer in Tilden Township, Berks County.

And, just a mile away from that area, the Blue Mountain Elementary School was left in ruins.

There were two people inside, but they managed to get out safely.

In New Castle County, Delaware a different funnel cloud was seen around 7:45 p.m., about 25 to 30 feet above the ground.

The National Weather Service could be called out to investigate the funnel clouds, if contacted by the county.

In King of Prussia, lightning flashed and rain seemed to fall sideways but it left only minor flooding in its wake.

Some cars got stuck in rising water on North Gulph Road near the King of Prussia Mall.

Crews worked to clear the clogged storm drain to help free them but at least one car wouldn't start.

Meanwhile in Media, a large tree fell snapping a utility pole and knocking out power to homes around the 400 block of Kirk Lane.

Kailey Atkins was in the kitchen when the power lines fell.

"I was looking out the window to see how the power lines were down by my house and the sparks came flying through and they almost got on my foot - that was scary," she said.

Meanwhile the Roche family had to pull out the generator for the second time in as many weeks.

They lost power for four days after storms ripped through late last month.

"We usually can't use our toilets, we can't run any water because we have a grinder pump so we lose our sewage," said Joelle Roche.

PECO crews say they are working around the clock to restore power.