Several thousand homes were deprived of electricity last night as storm-force winds crashed through eastern Poland. 

The Podlaskie province and the Mazurian Lake District were the most badly affected by the storm. Over 20,000 people in each area were left without electricity as strong wind damaged power lines.

In about 7,000 households near Hajnowka and several dozen villages near Elblag power breakdown was particularly noticeable. 

Firemen are removing fallen trees from the roads and repair damages caused by the gale. The wind is still very strong, though, and it brings about new losses. (mg)