A turbulent windstorm Wednesday knocked out power to thousands of PPL customers throughout the region.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, 83,715 PPL customers had their power interrupted. Of those, 66,140 had their power restored, with 17,575 still without.

By noon, 1,425 customers were still without power in Lehigh County, including 129 in Slatington; 17 in Washington Township; and 14 in Heidelberg Township.

Monroe County had 1,251 without power, including 162 in Chestnuthill Township; and 17 in Polk Township,

There were 1,145 without power in Schuylkill County, including 34 in West Penn Township; and 4 in Tamaqua.

In Carbon County, 525 customers were without power in Carbon County, including 453 in East Penn Township; 54 in Penn Forest Township; 13 in Lansford; 2 in Packer Township; and 1 each in Lower Towamensing Township, Mahoning Township, and Towamensing Township.

Northampton County had 486 without power, including 4 in Lehigh Township.

Jane George, manager, government affairs & special projects, explained PPL’s restoration efforts.

“The expected strong winds caused extensive damage across our service territory,” George said. “Our crews are working around the clock to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.”

George said customers should report power outages online at pplelectric.com or text “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775). Customers can also sign up for alerts to stay connected and receive outage updates at pplelectric.com/alerts

“We know how difficult it is to be without power,” she said. “Crews will continue working to repair any damage and restore power and will not stop until every customer has their power restored.”

George said that while crews continue to work, they encourage customers to remain connected and stay safe by doing the following:

Stay connected

• Report power outages online at pplelectric.com or text “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775).

• Sign up for alerts to stay connected and receive outage updates at pplelectric.com/alerts.

• Check the status of an outage and estimated restoration times online at pplelectric.com/outage.

• For information on storm safety, outage restoration priorities and more, visit pplelectric.com/outage.

Stay safe

• Remember, should you encounter a downed wire at any time, assume it’s energized and stay away. Report downed wires to PPL Electric or local emergency response agencies.

• Never operate a portable generator in an enclosed area, like a garage, where deadly carbon-monoxide fumes could accumulate.

• Always use flashlights instead of candles as they can start fires.

• Turn off appliances that were on when the power went off.

• Create alternate plans if you have a medical condition that relies on electricity or call 9-1-1 for assistance.

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.

• For your safety and ours, please keep a safe distance from our crews.

Other Outage Tips

• Keep warm air in by using your doors as infrequently as possible, and close off unoccupied rooms.

• Close blinds to keep warm air in.

• Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible.