A surprise thunderstorm on April 2, 1970, brought winds of more than 40 mph to Butler, sparking fires and knocking out power lines throughout the region. Butler residents are pictured shielding themselves from the wind as they traversed Main Street. Butler Eagle File Photo

Quick-striking spring storms have been taking out power throughout Butler County for at least 53 years, evident by a look at the April 3, 1970 edition of the Butler Eagle.

Winds reached at least 40 mph on April 2, 1970, which knocked out power lines. Lightning strikes from the surprise spring thunderstorm possibly caused fires that burned a house to the ground and severely damaged a trailer and a barn.

A residence on Chicora Road was considered a total loss by Lick Hill firefighters who were called to the scene at 12:55 a.m. and said the fire originated at an electric meter outside the kitchen that may have been struck by lightning.

West Penn Power reported that the company had, “lots of trouble” with trees falling on power lines April 2, and residents in Saxonburg and some of its surrounding area experienced lengthy power outages.

Firefighters from several departments around the county responded to emergencies, including fires and downed trees and power lines. Some departments worked together to put out fires, literally and figuratively, around the county.