At least two fallen utility lines at separate locations caused Jefferson City police to block traffic early this morning. Meanwhile, water company officials were looking for a possible waterline break that was causing a drop in water pressure.
Heavy thunderstorms with high winds began passing through the area shortly before 2 a.m., causing downed tree limbs and downed utility lines.
Police temporarily closed the westbound lanes of U.S. 54 between Ellis Boulevard and Missouri 179 because a telecommunications or cable line had fallen, striking a vehicle on Jefferson Street (the adjacent outer road). U.S. 54 was reopened around 2:50 a.m.
Crews responded to reports of power lines down in at least eight locations, including a downed line reported to be arcing in the 2700 block of Schott Road in eastern Jefferson City.
Meanwhile, Missouri American Water Co. advised city dispatchers during the 2 a.m. hour that it had experienced a large drop in water pressure for an undetermined reason. The water company asked police or residents to report the location of any pooling of water that might be caused by a break in water lines.