Authorities Respond to Several Lightning Strike Calls Sunday

As severe weather rolled through Toms River Sunday evening, authorities responded to several lightning strikes in town including one that downed electric wires and caused a three-hour power outage in Silverton. 

A lightning strike at 6 p.m. caused utility wires to fall at 1902 Hovsons Blvd. at Holiday City Silverton. Hovsons Boulevard was closed and the community lost power for three hours while repairs were made, said Chief of Police Michael Mastronardy. 

The National Weather Service had issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Sunday, warning that "strong to severe" thunderstorms were possible through the night. 

Mastronardy said that there were no injuries and no major damage reported in any of the six incidents where lightning struck residences. Toms River police and fire companies responded to the following homes, according to Mastronardy: 

The 600 block of Cedar Grove Road for a report of a television not working; the 600 block of Devonshire Road for a cable box struck by lightning; the 600 block of Onyx Drive where no damage was found; the 500 block of Onyx Drive where a gas line was struck at a group home and shut off by fire department personnel; the 500 block of Onyx Drive where a home alarm was set off; and the 500 block of Hafia Court were a home was struck.