A series of thunderstorms across Maine have caused extensive damage and left thousands in the dark.

Central Maine Power reported more than 24,000 homes and businesses were without power Thursday afternoon as storms moved from west to east.

Strong gusts toppled trees and tree limbs, bringing down power lines and damaging homes and parked cars.

James Brown from the National Weather Service said Mainers should keep an “eye on the sky” on Thursday.

The storms will usher in cooler, drier weather on Friday. This weekend, the temperature will top out in the 70s and 60s in Maine.