Thunderstorm knocks out power, dumps rain on Lexington

Severe thunderstorms buffeted Central Kentucky on Wednesday night, knocking down trees and power lines and sparking at least one fire.

As of about 10:30 p.m., Kentucky Utilities' Web site reported 60 outages affecting about 1,200 customers in Fayette County. Police were directing traffic at New Circle Road and Liberty Road, where stoplights were not functioning.

Feltham said it would likely be early Thursday before all the Fayette County customers had their power restored.

Twenty thousand KU customers in Kentucky were without power at one point Wednesday, spokesman Cliff Feltham said.

Lexington fire department Battalion Chief Brian Wainscott said crews contained a small attic fire at 3653 Winding Wood Lane just after 8 p.m. A lightning strike caused the fire, Wainscott said. One person was home at the time and was able to get out safely, he said.

WKYT-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in places in Lexington on Wednesday night. Similar storms are possible Thursday, he said.

This story was originally published July 18, 2012 at 10:57 PM with the headline "Thunderstorm knocks out power, dumps rain on Lexington."