NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Lightning from a fast-moving thunderstorm rolling through the city struck a substation transmission line and as a result knocked out power for customers in parts of the city.
The Utilities Commission of New Smyrna Beach posted the following alert on its website about 30 minutes ago:
Lightning strikes during the severe storm that came through about 7:30 pm caused significant outages throughout the UC service area. There are crews working to restore electric service as quickly as possible."
An earlier posting stated: "The Lightning caused an outage in the transmission line between Field Street and Smyrna Substations about 7:30 Saturday night. Crews are working in the problem."
Headline Surfer has not been able to reach anyone from the utilities commission to get a fixed number on how many customers are without power or when power will be fully restored. The 24/7 Internet newspaper is monitoring the situation and will provide updates.