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Public safety · Woodmere

Lightning strikes utility pole on Rica Lane in Woodmere

No injuries reported after Shabbos afternoon strike prompts brief evacuations and road closures.

Lightning struck a utility pole on Rica Lane in Woodmere on Shabbos afternoon, shortly after a resident had walked past the spot, according to 5 Towns Central. The strike sent sparks flying and drew an immediate response from emergency crews and utility workers.

Because of the live high-voltage equipment involved, authorities closed surrounding roads to cars and pedestrians and told nearby homeowners to leave their houses briefly while crews checked the structure and looked for electrical hazards, the outlet reported. Utility workers made repairs and restored power to the area.

Once inspectors confirmed the site was secure, roads reopened and residents were allowed back into their homes. No injuries were reported.

What we could not confirm

The exact time of the strike, the name of the utility company, and how many homes were evacuated are not specified in the source.

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