Winds, Rain Cause Havoc in Arizona

July 23, 2008

Some 7,000 residents were without electricity after a storm collapsed power lines throughout northeast Mesa, Ariz. authorities said.

Police said damaged or broken power lines felled trees throughout the area.

Winds reached an average speed of about 30-40 mph, but severe winds reached 60 mph and greater in one area of the city and likely caused the greatest damage, said Mike Bruce, a National Weather Service meteorologist at the Phoenix office.

Officials with Salt River Project said the utility hoped to restore power to all of its customers.