The recent series of thunderstorms caused power outages in Harvey Cedars after lightning struck utility poles.

Police Chief Thomas Preiser, who is also emergency management coordinator, said that on Friday between 1:30 and 2 p.m., lightning hit utility poles at West 80^th Street near the Neptune Wines and Liquors and at East 85^th Street and Long Beach Boulevard. He said that a two-block area by West 80^th Street lost power for approximately 90 minutes.

“It was a pretty crazy day around here,” said Preiser. “These thunderstorms were popping up all over. One storm would be over and then it would get sunny, and then a minute later another storm would hit us.”

More electrical storms hit on Monday morning, and Preiser said strong gusts knocked down a utility pole on Bay Terrace. He said area homeowners were without power for nearly two hours.

“It was an unusual gust of wind,” he said. “It went in a straight line and also knocked down a fence and two small trees.”

Preiser said the rainfall from both storms probably totaled nearly 3 inches.

“We were fortunate that there were no injuries,” he said. “These were very dangerous storms. They sure caused more problems around the Island than Hurricane Irene ever did.” —E.E.