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Cleanup Underway After Strong Storms Hit Delaware Valley

DEERFIELD Twp., N.J., (CBS) – The weather has calmed down Thursday night, but parts of the Delaware Valley have certainly felt its impact.

Broken utility poles and power lines clutter roads as quick moving storms knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses throughout New Jersey.

In Deerfield Township, Cumberland County, cleanup is still underway after high winds took out numerous power lines.

In Delaware, utility crews spent most of the day clearing roads after heavy rains and high winds caused quite a mess.

"Literally, I looked out the window and it was blowing like a hurricane," said neighbor Ed VanHeest.

"Honestly I felt like someone threw a bucket of water on me, the wind just started blowing. It was terrifying, we just ran into the house," said neighbor Janice Thurwell.

In New Castle County, lighting was fast and furious, striking the top of the tree.

"There was a loud pop, the tree fell down.  I'm just glad it wasn't worse than it was," said a resident.

In Delaware County, Pennsylvania, lightning started a fire at Swarthmore College.  Captured on cell phone video, firefighters extinguished the flames at the Women's Recreation Center.

Across the Delaware Valley, many are still without power.

"It's a big mess," said another resident.

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