Powerful Storms Bring Down Trees, Cause Flooding, Power Outages
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Powerful storms swept across the region Saturday morning knocking down trees and power lines, and causing flooding on roadways.
The storms rolled in before 7 a.m., prompting tornado warnings from the National Weather Service for parts of southern New Jersey, including Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties. Severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings were issued a short time later.
The storms left lots of damage to homeowners in their wake. In Collingswood, Camden County, the strong winds uprooted trees along Park Avenue, lifting the sidewalk pavement with them.
"I heard what sounded like waves crashing," said neighbor Aidan Wright. "This entire street was decimated."
And though there was a lot to clean up, neighbors said they were grateful that it wasn't worse.
"Really, we got pretty lucky. No one got hurt," said neighbor Josh Willey. "The house only has a little damage."
Elsewhere, along Lakeshore Drive in Haddon Township, a tree was ripped right from the ground and knocked onto a car.
Crews were working quickly to remove downed trees and debris from the roadways, and expected to have much of it cleared by afternoon.
Residents in Browns Mills, Pemberton Township were also feeling the wrath of the storms. Heavy winds brought down utility poles and power lines.
Downed trees also caused damage to homes in Blackwood, Gloucester Township.
Flash flooding was a major problem for many drivers in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. This video was captured by KYW's Tom Rickert in Ridley Township, Delaware County.
Thousands of power outages were being reported in South Jersey, Philadelphia and its suburbs, but officials said most customers should have their service restored by Saturday afternoon.
