URGENT UPDATE: A widespread outage affecting Verizon and Xfinity wireless and internet customers has left many in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) without service. The disruption began shortly before 4 p.m. on Friday and lasted until approximately 8:30 p.m., impacting regions from the Back Mountain to the Wyoming Valley and portions of Lackawanna County.
Authorities quickly responded to the crisis, with Luzerne County 911 confirming reports of “spotty phone service” throughout the county, particularly affecting Verizon users. The statement, posted on Facebook, noted that these issues were likely linked to severe weather in the area. In a communication to customers, Xfinity echoed this sentiment, attributing the outages to “severe weather in or around your area.”
Businesses faced significant challenges as the outage disrupted phone lines and credit card systems, leaving many unable to process payments. CK’s Cantina & Grill in Dallas remained open but could only accept cash transactions. The restaurant’s social media post declared, “Our phones and internet are out but we’re still here and open for cash customers, so come see us!”
The impact of these outages has been felt deeply, with customers expressing frustration over the loss of connectivity during critical hours. Many businesses, like CK’s, rely heavily on electronic payments, making the disruption particularly damaging.
Next Steps: As residents and businesses await restoration of services, officials are monitoring the situation closely. Customers are encouraged to stay updated through their service providers for the latest information on restoration timelines.
This developing story underscores the vulnerability of communication networks in adverse weather conditions and the significant effects on daily life and local economies. Stay tuned for live updates as the situation unfolds.
