MAINE, USA — Thousands are still without power Thursday following a rain and windstorm that hit Maine Wednesday morning, downing trees and powerlines across the state. Peak outages reached more than 140,000 on Wednesday.
According to Central Maine Power (CMP), crews have restored power to about 135,000 customers in 36 hours. As of 5 p.m. on Thursday, around 4,500 customers are still without power, but CMP says they expect the remaining outages to be restored by midnight.
CMP says crews are working "around the clock" to restore the remaining outages.
"Our crews have worked hard today; they have worked safely and efficiently, and we hope to have nearly all customers restored [Thursday night]," CMP director of Electric Operations Kerri Therriault said. "There are some roads such as camp and fire roads serving individual or small numbers of customers that may require more time, and we will stay on the job until everyone is back."v
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory which was be in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
According to data from the National Weather Service, wind gusts reached up to 50 miles per hour in portions of most of the state Wednesday; the highest gust reported was 56 miles per hour in Portland. Strong winds blew down limbs, trees, and power lines across the state.
Around 1,100 Versant Power customers are still without power as of Thursday evening.
