Fewer than four thousand people were without power in Allen County before severe thunderstorms this afternoon.
Temperatures soared above 100 degrees today.
And neighbors have endured six days without air conditioning, refrigeration, and lights.
WFFT went around to several pools and splash pads in the city, which were filled with people trying to cool off.
Nearly everyone I talked to either is still without electricity, or just got it back.
And they say they are greatful to finally get some relief.
The cold water at the Kreager Park splash pad is one of the first splashes of relief for some Fort Wayne residents.
As of earlier today, Indiana Michigan Power says about 3900 people were still without power.
Terrible timing, say some of those people-- who spent today trying to escape from 100 degree heat.
"But sometimes I'd sleep in the basement, and I actually have a pool, so I would jump in every now and then," says Barry Drummond.
Amanda Bobb says her cousin has had it rough.
"Not very good, it's so hot. He has a fish tank, so he's been trying to keep them alive and everything like that," Bobb says.
I&M Power Director of Communications Sarah Bodner says most of the lines supplying large neighborhoods have been restored, but pockets around the county remain without electricity.
"Then you work out into the single lines. And we're on lines now that might have one person, might have five people, at a max will have ten people," Bodner says.
Traffic flowed smooth on Coliseum Boulevard and New Haven Avenue, as the city's sole traffic light without power flashed red and green this afternoon.
Power is back on at the city's pools, and most the splash pads.
In fact, the city reduced pool fees to just a dollar.
McMillen Park Pool in south Fort Wayne was packed as the temperatures rose.
Pool visitors say either they had no power, or they know someone who doesn't.
"I was hiding out at my sister's house who has an air conditioner," Felicia Morgan says.
"Anight it's really dark. -we've been staying at people's houses and stuff so we keep cool," sisters Gracie and Ellie Shankin say.
"I opened windows, and called around to see who had battery operated fans, and managed from there," Brian Stewart says.
Bodner says they don't know how long it will take to bring power back 100 percent.
Most people say they understand... as long as they can stay cool.
One person told us today he had his family taking three cold showers a day to keep from overheating.
I talked to a lot of kids too, and they said they don't miss having the TV, because they get to go swimming a lot.
I&M officials say they're racing to finish, as it should stay hot here for at least the next few days.
Temperatures soared above 100 degrees today.
And neighbors have endured six days without air conditioning, refrigeration, and lights.
WFFT went around to several pools and splash pads in the city, which were filled with people trying to cool off.
Nearly everyone I talked to either is still without electricity, or just got it back.
And they say they are greatful to finally get some relief.
The cold water at the Kreager Park splash pad is one of the first splashes of relief for some Fort Wayne residents.
As of earlier today, Indiana Michigan Power says about 3900 people were still without power.
Terrible timing, say some of those people-- who spent today trying to escape from 100 degree heat.
"But sometimes I'd sleep in the basement, and I actually have a pool, so I would jump in every now and then," says Barry Drummond.
Amanda Bobb says her cousin has had it rough.
"Not very good, it's so hot. He has a fish tank, so he's been trying to keep them alive and everything like that," Bobb says.
I&M Power Director of Communications Sarah Bodner says most of the lines supplying large neighborhoods have been restored, but pockets around the county remain without electricity.
"Then you work out into the single lines. And we're on lines now that might have one person, might have five people, at a max will have ten people," Bodner says.
Traffic flowed smooth on Coliseum Boulevard and New Haven Avenue, as the city's sole traffic light without power flashed red and green this afternoon.
Power is back on at the city's pools, and most the splash pads.
In fact, the city reduced pool fees to just a dollar.
McMillen Park Pool in south Fort Wayne was packed as the temperatures rose.
Pool visitors say either they had no power, or they know someone who doesn't.
"I was hiding out at my sister's house who has an air conditioner," Felicia Morgan says.
"Anight it's really dark. -we've been staying at people's houses and stuff so we keep cool," sisters Gracie and Ellie Shankin say.
"I opened windows, and called around to see who had battery operated fans, and managed from there," Brian Stewart says.
Bodner says they don't know how long it will take to bring power back 100 percent.
Most people say they understand... as long as they can stay cool.
One person told us today he had his family taking three cold showers a day to keep from overheating.
I talked to a lot of kids too, and they said they don't miss having the TV, because they get to go swimming a lot.
I&M officials say they're racing to finish, as it should stay hot here for at least the next few days.
