All schools in Sparta were closed Wednesday after powerful thunderstorms caused heavy damage and left many in the town without power.

Jersey Central Power & Light says that power may not be fully restored in the town until 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

Tuesday’s storms caused many trees and utility poles to fall down, taking power lines with them.

"Well, it really kind of came through like a mini-twister and I don't know if it's been called that yet but it was very quick, dramatic, a lot of wind and then it quieted but the damage had been done,” says Sparta resident Elaine Fogerty.

A Cedar Tree Lane resident was nearly struck by some of the fallen trees, according to neighbors.

"She was walking her dog and she started screaming and I think she scared the boy across the street to death because she was so loud.  As soon as she passed those trees started to fall,” says Elizabeth Traina.

Birth Tree Lane resident Eric Zekunde says that his back deck was badly damaged when his neighbor’s tree fell on it.

"I was on my way home from work, and she called and said ‘Our tree hit your deck,’” he says.

School is expected to resume in town Thursday. Parents say that their children will  be going to school until the end of June because they  have already lost many days to snow days.