An Updated State-by-State Look at Storm-Related Power Outages in New England

Posted by erik devaney

More than 3 million homes across the Northeast lost power at some point as a result of Saturday’s nor’easter. In addition, at least 23 deaths — including one in Canada — are blamed on the storm through traffic accidents, electrocutions or other causes.

The wet, heavy snow from the storm accumulated on still-leafy trees and snapped off branches or toppled them altogether, taking down power lines in the process.

Below is a look at some of the effects the storm had on the six New England states (as of early Tuesday afternoon).

Connecticut

About 677,000 customers still without power, down from more than 830,000, a number that broke the state record set by the remnants of Hurricane Irene in August. Communications disrupted because of damage to hundreds of cellphone towers. Passengers stranded for seven hours or more on tarmac at Hartford’s airport after being diverted from New York-area airports. At least four deaths. President Barack Obama signs emergency declaration for federal aid.

“Connecticut is now in the very first stages of recovering from a storm of a magnitude and at a time of year that we have never experienced before.” said Governor Dannel Malloy on Sunday. “Hundreds of thousands of households are without power or heat, travel conditions remain dangerous, and damage to our electric infrastructure continues.”

Maine

About 300 without power, down from about 160,000.

“Safety must be everyone’s first priority for the next few days, starting with safety for trick-or-treaters,” the Maine Emergency Management Agency noted in a Sunday statement. “As the storm moves away, crews are making good progress to clear downed lines and restore power. However, anyone venturing out for Halloween parties or traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating should be aware that streets may be dark, and snow banks may reduce visibility. Central Maine Power adds that damaged utility equipment may be on the ground, or hanging lower than usual.”

Massachusetts

More than 347,000 without power. Delays on commuter rail into Boston. Dozens of school districts cancel classes; many communities call off Halloween trick-or-treating because of downed power lines. At least three deaths.

“This historic October storm has left people without power at a time when temperatures are dropping, putting families and senior citizens at risk,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray on Monday. “As we assist municipalities and businesses across the state to get back on their feet, we are also urging residents to take steps to stay safe and warm, and to assist neighbors in need.”

New Hampshire

About 150,000 without power, down from more than 315,000. Shelters open for people without heat.

“It is possible people will be without power for several days, so residents who are without power should consider alternative shelter plans,” said Governor John Lynch on Sunday. The governor is also encouraging residents to check on their neighbors.

Rhode Island

Service has been restored to nearly all of the 20,000 electric customers who lost power. Crews try to raise a sunken barge containing hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel.

Vermont

About 7,500 lost power at some point. Parts of southern Vermont reported more than a foot of snow.

Brattleboro reported 16 inches and Woodford near Bennington recorded 14 inches as a result of the October storm.

 

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

(With additional information from New England Post)

Related posts:

1. A State-by-State Look at Storm-Related Power Outages in New England
2. Power Outages Rise as Irene Approaches Bay State
3. Governor Lynch and NH Emergency Officials Expecting More Residents to Turn to Shelters Before Power is Restored
4. The Latest on Storm Recovery and Power Restoration Efforts in MA; 500,000 Still Without Power, 1,300 in Shelters
5. Children and Parents Across New England Respond to Halloween Cancellations Following Weekend Nor’easter

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