More Than 5,300 Still Without Power In Monroe

MONROE, CT — Eversource has reported there are 5,373 outages in town, as of Friday afternoon, or approximately 67 percent of its local customers.

"We understand that this storm caused more damage to the electrical distribution system than Superstorm Sandy," First Selectman Kenneth Kellogg said. "Earlier this afternoon, State Representative JP Sredzinski and I contacted senior Eversource officials to emphasize the importance of maintaining Eversource resources in Monroe, to clear our roads for emergency vehicles and safe travel, and to ask for improved coordination and communication regarding the restoration process."

Statewide, outages have easily eclipsed those of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and came close to rivaling those of the October snowstorm and Hurricane Irene in 2011. Eversource estimated it will make significant progress by the end of the weekend and have its restoration substantially complete across the state by Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

Out-of-state resources are being brought in to assist local crews, Kellogg said.

Monroe's first responders have issued a warning about generator use, having answered several emergency calls for carbon monoxide alarms. Officials advised to always operate generators outdoors and as far from the house, doors, windows and air vents as possible to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Town Hall phone lines have been restored. Residents are urged to use the dispatch center's non-emergency number, 203-261-3622, to report storm related concerns, and only use 911 in an emergency.

Wolfe Park (including the pool), Great Hollow Lake, and Webb Mountain remain closed due to extensive tree damage, blocked access, lack of power, and unsafe conditions. Friday night's summer concert at Wolfe Park has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Water is available from a hose at the Senior Center, Monroe Police Department in the vehicle bay area near the library, and at the fire stations on upper Main Street, Monroe Turnpike, and Jockey Hollow Road.

A charging station is available at the Town Hall Gazebo and from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. outside the Library. WiFi access is also available from outside the library building. Residents are requested to practice social distancing and wear a mask when others are in the area.