Crews are working around the clock to restore electric service to Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. customers left without power after severe thunderstorms that continued throughout the night Saturday (8/16).

As of 7 p.m. Sunday (8/17) about 17,000 customers remained without electricity, said Ray Stoudt, system emergency director.

Since the storms began, PP&L has restored service to more than 97,000 customers. A total of 114,000 customers have been affected by the storms — about 10 percent of the company's total number of customers.

There were more than 1,100 locations where the problems occurred, Stoudt said.

"Locations continuing to be without power are the Honesdale-Hamlin area with about 8,500 customers out of service; the Pocono area with about 4,100; Wilkes-Barre-White Haven area with about 2,700; and Scranton area with about 1,800. We are doing our best to restore service as soon as possible."

High winds accompanying the storms caused trees to fall on power lines and other electrical facilities, creating much of the damage, Stoudt said. The storms affected a widespread area in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, limiting the number of additional line crew personnel PP&L could call on from other utilities to assist in restoring power.

"Currently, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. has sent 20 line crews to assist," he added. "We also have hired additional crews from electrical contractors and have moved PP&L personnel from the Harrisburg and Lancaster areas where the storms were not as severe."

All available crews will work until service is restored, Stoudt said. The crews work 16-hour shifts and then are off for eight hours of rest. Crews are alternated to ensure that work continues around the clock.

PP&L expects service to be restored to all customers by late Tuesday night.