More Than 1,700 Power Outages Reported In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — More than 1,700 customers were without power in Evanston, the most of any city in the Chicago area Wednesday afternoon, according to ComEd.

In the morning, the south and western suburbs were harder hit by morning power outages, with several thousands losing power before sunrise. Around 9 a.m., Evanston officials reported that fewer than 70 customers were affected by outages.

The most significant Evanston power failure took place near Howard Street and Elmwood Avenue, according to the ComEd outage map. An equipment problem was identified as the cause for the outage, which was expected to be restored around 3 p.m. (Outages can be reported to ComEd by calling 800-334-7661 or online.)

The Evanston Fire Department, which has increased staffing for the next 48 hours, had responded to 14 calls for service as of 12:45 p.m., according to the city. Six community members are taking shelter at the Levy Center and two children are taking part in activities at Fleetwood-Jourdain.

"All outstanding heating issues at City facilities have been resolved," the city announced.

Several gates became stuck at the Sherman Plaza garage, where free parking has been extended through Thursday. City employees forced open the gates and the garage is functional. Optima Towers has suffered a burst water pipe, as did several single-family homes.

ComEd said its crews have been working in extreme conditions to restore power to more than 52,000 customers so far.

We put our energy into working around the clock to get your power back on! We're down to under 4k customers without service & 500+ crews continue to work as quickly & safely as possible to restore power to our hardest hit areas. Stay safe & tweet #OUT @ComEd to report outages. pic.twitter.com/VqbyLAe1DS
— ComEd (@ComEd) January 30, 2019

More: Evanston Restaurant Becomes Warming Station Amid Arctic Freeze

Only essential city services are operating Wednesday and Thursday. All local schools, libraries and many businesses are closed. No recycling collection will take place Wednesday or Thursday.

An overnight shelter is being provided by Interfaith Action of Evanston at First Presbyterian Church, 1427 Chicago Ave., beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and at 9 p.m. on Friday evening. Suburban Cook County courthouses will also serve as 24-hour warming centers Wednesday and Thursday, including in Skokie and Rolling Meadows.

Read more from the City of Evanston