Tropical Storm Isaias has joined the likes of the October Snowstorm, Hurricane Sandy, and Tropical Storm Irene as one of the largest power outage events in Connecticut’s modern history.
Tropical Storm Isaias is being blamed for at least one death in Connecticut after leaving widespread damage that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people in the state on Tuesday.
Isaias has moved out, but Connecticut received a significant amount of the strongest winds from the southeast side of the system. Peak wind gusts reached as high as 68 mph in Bridgeport and 66 mph in New Haven.
A Naugatuck man was killed when he got out of his vehicle to try to move branches off the road and a tree fell on him, according to Naugatuck police. The man, identified as a 66-year-old Naugatuck resident, has not been publicly identified.
Public safety officials warned that more branches and wires could come down even after the storm had passed.
This is one of the largest power outage events in the state's modern history, among the ranks of the October Snowstorm, Tropical Storm Irene, Hurricane Gloria, and Hurricane Sandy.
Around 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Eversource is reporting more than 572,000 outages.
Power Outages Reported
Eversource and United Illuminating are reporting power outages.
As of 5:45 a.m on Wednesday, Eversource was reporting more than 572,000 outages.
“We are aware of the significant number of outages across Connecticut, we are actively working to assess the damage across the state, and we have all of our crews, as well as additional resources ready to begin restoration as soon as it is safe," an Eversource spokesperson said.
Multiple Eversource customers reported delays or challenges in reporting outages to the utility company Tuesday evening. The company confirmed that they were working to resolve issues with the online outage reporting system. Eversource is asking customers who have trouble getting through to direct message the company your address on social media, email them at customerservicectelectric@eversource.com, or call 1-800-286-2000.
Norwich Public Utilities reported just over 6,000 without power as of 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Damage Reported Across State
Damage has been reported across Connecticut. A great number of trees have come down. Part of a roof on an apartment complex in Wethersfield broke off, but fortunately, there were no injuries.
Several state roads remain closed on Wednesday morning. A full list can be found here.
In West Hartford, police reported 56 roads or intersections affected by downed wires and trees. Police asked the public to remain off the roads if possible.
Greenwich declared a local civil preparedness emergency and asked the public to limit travel while they worked to clean up storm damage.
Fire department crews in Westport had responded to more than 130 calls for service as of 9 p.m. on Tuesday. At one point over 94% of the town was without power, according to the fire department.
In New Haven, Mayor Justin Elicker said the area's Regional 911 is down. Residents are asked to call 203-781-8200 to report emergencies if you are not able to get through on 9-1-1.
Tornado Warnings and Watch Canceled
Several tornado warnings were issued in parts of the state as storm cells showed rotation up at the cloud level through the afternoon. Those warnings have since expired. As of 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, tornado watch for the state was cancelled.
Public Transportation
Metro-North suspended on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines Tuesday afternoon "due to extensive damage sustained from the effects of high winds and rain." The agency reports damage was caused by fallen lines of trees and downed wires. Hudson line service did resume Tuesday night, but as of 9 p.m. the Harlem and New Haven lines were still suspended.
Amtrak announced its Northeast corridor service between New Haven, Springfield and Boston was canceled for the rest of Tuesday.
All future departures for Tuesday (August 4) on the Cross Sound Ferry have been canceled. Service has also been suspended on the Bridgeport - Port Jefferson Ferry and the Rocky Hill Ferry.
