Wind Fells Tree, Cuts Off Electricity

Strong winds blew over a large tree that knocked down high-voltage power lines about 7 p.m. Sunday, cutting off electricity for about 1 1/2 hours to 1,000 residential and commercial customers, authorities said.

The tree pulled down 1,200-volt distribution lines near 19th and Ross streets, said Pat Buttress, a Southern California Edison spokeswoman. Power was out from 7:02 until about 8:30 in an area bounded on the south by 1st Street, on the north by 20th Street, on the west by Fairview Street and on the east by Main Street.

Buttress said trees often fall down in high winds after a heavy rain has soaked the soil around their roots.