WPCNR WEATHER SCOOP. By John F. Bailey. July 19,2006, Midnight: At approximately 10 o'clock this evening a violent thunderstorm engulfed White Plains and most of the southeast section of Westchester County, with almost continuous cloud to ground lightning strikes accompanied by wind gusts WPCNR estimates up to 45 miles per hour which combined with lightning to topple tree limbs into roadways along North Street, (observed), onto cars in driveways, blocking side roads and causing power outages West of Mamaroneck Avenue. 

White Plains Police could not give WPCNR a list of roads blocked in the city as of midnight.

Observers noted trees downed in neighborhoods in the central Highlands, Saxon Woods and in Havilands Manor.

Elizabeth Clark of Con Edision told WPCNR as of midnight 85 homes in White Plains were without power, with Harrison, Eastchester, New Rochelle and Pelham sustaining more outage damage. Ms. Clark reported 765 homes without power in Eastchester, 270 in Harrison, and 700 in New Rochelle. Clark said Con Edison has crews out and will be working throughout the night to restore the areas.

WPCNR notes: citizens attempting to clear trees from roads this evening should be aware of the possibility of downed live wires which if touched could result in electrocution.

The monster thunderboomer was the second whallapalooza of a storm to hit the county in a week.