The Albany Times Union reports that thunderstorms blew threw the Hudson Valley Aug. 8, knocking out power to thousands. In Columbia County, 4,246 homes lost electricity, and in Rensselaer County 832 homes were without power. The storms peaked in the late afternoon, and once they were gone, brought in pleasant temperatures without humidity. Highs are not expected to top 80 degrees all weekend, with sunny skies. Read the full story in the Albany Times Union.