Update: Power Outage In Woonsocket Briefly Affects 3,000

Update 12:22 p.m.: A blown transformer caused by a mylar balloon is to blame for a power outage in Woonsocket that briefly cut power to about 3,700 customers this morning. 

Woonsocket Police report the transformer outage, which happened at about 11 a.m. Sunday morning, was repaired within the hour.  

Debbie Drew, spokesperson National Grid, said a mylar baloon came in contact with electricity lines on Logee Street, causing the damage to the transformer and cutting power to the area.  

Though some might regard mylar balloons as harmless, "Not to electrical equipment," Drew said.

She said the utility's crews responded, removed the balloon's remains and restored the circuit by about 11:45 a.m.

11:54 a.m.: National Grid reports a large section of the city between Manville Road and Park Avenue is without power.

About 3,000 people are affected by the outage, the utility reports. The cause is unknown at this time, as is the estimated time to restore service. The outage was reported at about 11:20 a.m. this morning.