CARIBOU, Maine — Severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc on Wednesday in northern Aroostook County, according to the National Weather Service’s Caribou office.
The hazardous weather began shortly before 5:30 p.m., with a second strong wind event occurring at 5:50 p.m., forecasters said.
Cross Lake was hit hard, with reports of wind damage that included downed trees at the intersection of Routes 161 and 162 that blocked the road between Cross Lake and Sinclair and trees down on power lines.
Trees also fell on power lines in St. Agatha, Madawaska, Van Buren, New Sweden and Westfield.
The storms knocked out power to more than 1,700 Emera Maine customers in northern Maine, including the towns of Eagle Lake, New Canada, Wallagrass Plantation, Perham, Woodland, Stockholm, Westmanland and surrounding areas.
As of 9:30 p.m., nearly 1,600 remained in the dark.
Repair crews were expected to remain in the field until power was restored to all customers.
Wednesday’s severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for Oxford and Franklin counties in the western part of the state and parts of Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Aroostook counties farther east.
Another round of thunderstorms is possible Thursday in northern Maine, according to the weather service.