West Penn Power reported Saturday morning, March 14, that 12,433 of its customers had no electricity, after heavy winds took down electric lines and trees around the area Friday afternoon and evening.

Central Electric Cooperative also reported Saturday morning that more than 5,700 of its customers were being affected by power outages.

Neither agency listed an estimated time of restoration Saturday morning.

The Friday winds also caused issues for people who planned to travel. Tina Krolikowski had planned to have a birthday party for her daughter Saturday at her dad’s house near Moran Road, but a downed utility pole at the entrance to Moran Road from Route 422 had her looking for alternate routes for guests.

“We actually had to go the back roads rather than crossing 422,” she said. “We're trying to figure out if folks can go around the back way.”

The Walmart in Butler Commons is also closed until power is restored. Store manager Angela Fleeger said the store lost power at around 5:30 p.m. Friday, and it would not reopen until it could safely operate. Although some associates are working, online orders can also not be fulfilled because of the power outage.

“We have associates that are working at the moment even though the store is closed,” Fleeger said. “We don't have a current ETA of opening right now but as soon as that happens, we can be sure we can open safely, we will be open.”

In response to the outages, agencies have opened their doors to help people who lost power.

The Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company opened its station from 8 a.m. to noon for residents who may need a place to warm up and charge electronic devices, according to a Facebook post by Harrisville Mayor Daniel Anschutz.