High winds whip through Spring-Ford, power outages reported

High winds in the Spring-Ford area today have been responsible for a number of downed branches, downed power lines, and related outages.

Near Airport Road and Ridge Pike in Limerick, a downed power line (pictured) caused area residents to lose power around 11:30am Saturday.  Units from and several PECO trucks responded to the scene, where a reportedly live electrical transmission wire was lying across the roadway.

Visitors to our web site's Facebook page reported outages in various Spring-Ford neighborhoods.

"Montgomery Brook has been out since 11:30am," resident Debbie Chrisman said.

Phillyweather.net weather watcher and Royersford resident Tom Thunstrom said our area is feeling the effects of a clash between two large weather systems.

The high winds are the result of a "pressure gradient between a strong high in the Northern Plains and a strong low in Eastern Canada.  We're at the end of the wind tunnel and get to enjoy wind gusts over 50, perhaps to 60 mph at times today," said Thunstrom at his web site.

PECO said it is "monitoring conditions" as they pertain to the power grid.

"Strong, gusty winds are moving through the region, potentially damaging electrical equipment and causing power outages.  PECO is closely monitoring conditions and has mobilized additional personnel to respond to any damage that occurs," PECO said in a statement on its web site.

"We remind customers to stay safe.  Always assume that downed electrical lines and damaged equipment are energized and stay away," the company said.

To report an outage, call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 and use the automated reporting system or log on through your mobile phone and report online at www.peco.com/mobile.