CRANBERRY TWP — The weather system that marched through the township Tuesday evening was some sort of wind event, according to the National Weather Service.

Those winds knocked down nine power poles, leaving a mess on the ground and no power to operate the traffic lights at the busiest intersection in the county — Routes 228, 19 and Interstate 79.

The extent of the damage and the amount of work that is needed to restore power forced the closure of Route 228 between Route 19 and Cranberry Woods. The closure caused traffic headaches in the area. Traffic backups were reported on major roads and ramps to those roads, township officials reported.

Lee Hendricks of the weather service said it appeared that a downburst — something smaller than a microburst — could have been responsible for the damage.