[Updated, 7:45 p.m.] Albany Avenue was closed to traffic Wednesday between North Main Street and Mountain Road but all lanes reopened as of 7:45 p.m., West Hartford Police said.

Access to Flagg Road from Sims Road blocked by a fallen tree. Courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

By Ronni Newton

Update

As of 7:45 p.m., all lanes of Albany Avenue were reopened to traffic. West Hartford Police Lt. Dan Moffo issued the following statement:

“Albany Avenue has been reopened for both eastbound and westbound traffic. We’re asking that people traveling in the area continue to use caution, as there are still first responders and emergency crews working in the area.  I do not have a time frame for when the area will be completely clear and back to normal.”

Original story

A severe thunderstorm that moved through the West Hartford area early Wednesday afternoon resulted in multiple downed trees, power lines, and communication lines across the roadway, closing all lanes on a section of a busy east-west route, West Hartford Police advised.

There were no injuries reported, and police confirmed that the damage was not caused by a car crash.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, about 0.25 inches of rain fell.

Eversource is on the scene, and has shut down power to the intersection of Albany Avenue and Sims Road to begin repair and restoration work, police said.

Access to Flagg Road from Sims Road was also blocked off by a fallen tree.

Police advised motorists to seek alternate route such as Route 185 for east-west travel in the area.

No estimate was available regarding when the roadways would reopen.

According to Eversource, only seven customers in West Hartford were without power as of 5 p.m.

Flames were visible coming from power lines that were impacted, and the West Hartford Fire Department provided the following advice:

• Downed powerlines can be deadly. Always assume that they are live in avoid going near it or anything in contact with it. 
• Down powerlines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away.
• Never drive over downed powerlines.
• If someone comes in contact with one or something else that has become electrified, call 911 immediately

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Power lines burning on Albany Avenue. Courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

Access to Flagg Road from Sims Road blocked by a fallen tree. Courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

Trees and power lines fell across Albany Avenue in West Hartford Wednesday afternoon. Courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

Tree across Albany Avenue. Courtesy West Hartford Fire Department