UPDATE: An extensive outage affecting Verizon and Xfinity customers in Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) has left many without internet and phone service, causing disruptions for both residents and local businesses. Reports of the outage began just before 4 p.m. on Friday and lasted until around 8:30 p.m., impacting regions from the Back Mountain to the Wyoming Valley, including parts of Lackawanna County.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the disruptions, with Luzerne County 911 stating on Facebook, “We’re receiving reports of spotty phone service around the county, especially with Verizon and possibly other carriers. These issues are likely weather-related.” Meanwhile, Xfinity informed customers that the outages were tied to “severe weather in or around your area.”
The impact on local businesses has been significant. Many establishments faced challenges with their phone and credit card systems. Notably, CK’s Cantina & Grill in Dallas announced via Facebook that they remained open for cash transactions only. “Our phones and internet are out but we’re still here and open for cash customers, so come see us!” they posted, highlighting the resilience of local businesses in the face of adversity.
The outages have raised concerns among residents, with many relying on mobile services for communication and essential transactions. With critical systems down, affected customers are left seeking alternatives to stay connected.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed through local news channels and official social media updates. Authorities are working to restore services as quickly as possible, but the timeline for full restoration remains unclear.
This developing story underscores the vulnerability of communication networks to weather-related disruptions, prompting discussions on the need for robust infrastructure in the face of extreme conditions. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
