Sunday Noon UPDATE: Damage Assessments Needed

Three Potter County municipalities continue to operate under a state of emergency as the clean-up from Thursday afternoon’s violent weather continues into Sunday afternoon. Coudersport Borough, Genesee Township and Roulette Township are made official emergency declarations (see explanation below in July 27 “1 pm UPDATE”). More than 1,000 customers, concentrated largely in the Coudersport and Roulette areas, remain without electricity, telephone and other services. Outages also continue in McKean County. Crews from West Penn Power, Penelec and Tri-County REC continue working to restore power. Anyone who would like to report a power outage or obtain more information in the West Penn Power or Penelec service areas should call 1-888-544-4877.

Meanwhile, damage assessments will continue to be taken over the next several days by the Potter County Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with township and borough officials. Residents in the affected areas are being asked to inform their township or borough officials of any damage so it can be compiled in the countywide report.

Photo above by Maureen Cracknell illustrates the complexities of the utility companies’ challenges, as large trees have torn down and shredded wires and related equipment — in some cases destroying the poles that carry the service lines. This photo was taken on Saturday afternoon at the corner of Mill and Maple streets in Coudersport.