Storm causes destruction in Bridgton

A severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc in Bridgton Saturday afternoon, knocking down trees and power lines and damaging at least one house.

High winds and rain toppled trees and power lines on Kansas, Winn and Portland roads. A home on Portland Road, also known as Route 302, was severely damaged in the storm. Nearby businesspeople said a pair of trees fell onto the house, crashing into the roof and causing it to collapse. Police declined to release any information about the house, including its address and the extent of the damage, until the home's owners could be notified. Police said they were away on vacation.

The storm blew through the area around 3 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. By 6 p.m., all three roads were open to traffic, though some homes in the area were without power, Bridgton police said.

A thunderstorm was also blamed for a house fire in Freeport Saturday. The Freeport Fire Department said the house was struck by lightning Saturday afternoon, causing a fire. The fire was put out and the house is still standing, but no other details were available Saturday night.

ltice@sunjournal.com