(La Porte, IN) - A fallen tree and power lines during strong storms this morning were blocking a street in the City of La Porte.

The tree broke about six feet above the base of its trunk on Perry St. a short distance from Maple Ave. just north of the former Boston Middle School.

Code Enforcement and Street Department Director Jeff Batchelor said NIPSCO will have to cut any power flowing through the lines before the tree can be removed. Streets in the area of the fallen tree and power lines were temporarily closed as a precaution.

The tree measured about 30 inches in diameter.

To his knowledge, Batchelor said it was the first tree to come down this morning in the city.

At 9 a.m., NIPSCO reported more than 1,000 customers without power in its La Porte service area.