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Susquehanna County residents, officials praise community response after July 3 storm
Summary
Public commenters and county officials described widespread localized damage from a July 3 microburst, detailed coordinated relief steps (Red Cross, TreeHab, DHS, Department of Health), and praised first responders, out-of-area linemen and PennDOT assistance; organizers plan a coordinated aid event at Lanesboro Center.
A resident during public comment at the July 8 Susquehanna County commissioners meeting described extensive localized damage from a July 3 storm and praised neighbors, volunteer groups and county and state crews who responded.
The commenter said the National Weather Service estimated winds at 90 to 100 miles per hour with localized funneling that could exceed 100 mph and that damage ran from Great Bend through Route 171 into the Triborough area and out through Harmony and Struca. The speaker said roughly 5,000 people—about 17% of the county—lost power, concentrated in a single area rather than spread across the county.
"You hear the saying, see something, say something," the resident said, and added that community members and officials "really did a wonderful job in showing your concern for that community." The speaker singled out on-the-ground volunteers, the Susquehanna Fire Department, visiting linemen and local businesses that provided meals and support.
County officials and staff thanked first responders and visiting utility crews. The recording notes that more than 300 linemen were brought in from across the state and from out of state to restore service. The county also said Secretary Mike Carroll of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation visited the area and helped facilitate a request through FEMA for PennDOT assistance removing downed trees and brush from state and municipal roads.
Officials outlined planned relief coordination at the Lanesboro Center involving the American Red Cross, TreeHab, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health to help residents with food, cleanup and medication needs. The speaker noted challenges residents may face replacing lost prescriptions and that agencies planned outreach on those issues.
Volunteer and private help were also described: a local plaza operator, Ron Susnick, provided meals and sought donations; churches and other businesses offered food; local residents and contractors provided chainsaw and chipping services; and Magic City Ice in Binghamton donated about 6,700 pounds of ice to support the affected area. The speaker said specialized equipment was needed in at least one incident where a three-foot-diameter tree brought down primary and secondary lines and left utility cables on a house; a coordinated effort among the electric company, a local tree service and PennDOT equipment cleared the hazard without further damage.
The commenter reported no known injuries or loss of life from the event and thanked the many organizations and volunteers who assisted in restoration and relief work.
