Updated: Vernon Opening EOC to Monitor Storm Path

Updated: Friday at 6:45 p.m.

Vernon opened its Emergency Operations Center to monitor the path of a severe storm band on Friday afternoon, Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said.

The storm was forecast by the National Weather Service to hit around 5 and the storm band was predicted to hang around into the evening, the weather service said. A tornado warning ended at 5:45 but a watch remained in effect until 9.

It began raining heavily in the area at about 4 p.m. and winds immediately began blowing things around. Trees weakened by the snowstorm last October could be heard cracking in Vernon Center.

Board of Education member Laura Bush said it was the same situation to the South on Risley Road. A branch cracked and cracked and finally fell into her yard.

Primary wires were down on Tumblebrook Road and at 510 Hartford Turnpike, Purcaro said.

In all, 2,000 Connecticut Light & Power custumers in town were without power.

Town Hall lost power and an emergency generator was activated, Purcaro said.

"We're working with CL&P to get power restored as rapidly as possible," Purcaro said.

Despite several reports of funnel clouds, Purcaro saod there has been no confirmation of an actuall tornado touching down in Vernon.

The follwing roads were closed because of downed trees or wires, Purcaro said:

• Taylor Street to the Manchester line.

• All of Bolton Road.

• Pine View Rd. to Banforth Road.

Most ofd the power was restored my midnight, town officials said.