Power Back On For Some 10,000 In Riverside

RIVERSIDE, CA - Power was restored to nearly 10,000 homes in Riverside after a rain squall downed power lines, utility officials said today.

A dozen utility poles snapped at 4 p.m. on Friday at Colett Avenue and Pierce Street, causing power lines to topple over. Lines also came down on Van Buren Boulevard near Victoria Avenue, and at Van Buren and Audrey Avenue, said Riverside Public Utilities spokeswoman Heather Raymond.

The rainfall triggered what's known as a microburst, she said. Riverside Fire Department crews went to the locations on reports the lines were arcing, but no fires erupted.

Van Buren was closed for more than an hour at Victoria until crews secured a line there.

About 10,000 utility customers were left in the dark for several hours, Raymond said.

Power was restored to 90 percent of customers by 8 p.m., she said. As of noon today, 150 homes are still without power but the lights should be back on for those customers by 8 p.m., Raymond said.

Also see: Slippery When Wet! CHP Reminds You How To Drive In Drizzly Weather and What To Do If Hydroplaning

--City News Service