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T-storms rattle area

• Additional storms are expected today, fire officials say.

J.D. Sumner

ALBANY — As storms moved through the area Saturday, power lines and traffic lights were temporarily knocked out of service, emergency management officials said.

Around 2:30 the first line of heavy rain moved into the area, Deputy EMA Director Jim Vaught said, ahead of a strong weather cell that dumped a large amount of rain and brought frequent lightning to the area.

“We’ve had engine after engine running around town to fires started by lightning strikes and power lines down,” Vaught said.

A stretch of road along Gillionville Road seemed to have been plagued with weather related problems.

At Gillionville and Westgate Drive, police units had to direct traffic after the traffic lights lost power. Just down the road, a car crash was investigated by a fire engine in route to a structure fire on Whippoorwill Road which is just off Gillionville.

“These storms are just something we have to expect this time of year,” Vaught said. “It’s really pretty typical, but we still need to be prepared.”

In addition to legitimate calls, police and fire crews work dozens of false alarm calls generated when panes of glass would shake with thunder, trigger alarms at businesses across the city.

And Vaught says to expect the same today, as more storms are predicted to move through the area bringing more rain, thunder and lightning.

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