Storms halt Philadelphia trains, down trees, power lines
PHILADELPHIA – Severe thunderstorms moving through central and eastern Pennsylvania downed trees and power lines and halted Amtrak service and commuter trains during rush hour in Philadelphia.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said power problems and downed trees suspended service on all 13 regional rail lines during the evening rush hour as the storms blackened skies and sent rain pouring down. Service was restored to all but a few lines two hours later.
Amtrak suspended its Northeast Corridor and Keystone services between Washington, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia International Airport said the storms were delaying departures by about 75 minutes.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Chester County and severe thunderstorm and flood warnings elsewhere. A 71 mph wind gust was recorded at Philadelphia International Airport.