Storm Elliot blackouts dip below 1,000
Since Storm Elliot began last Thursday, over 75,000 power outages were reported across the state. Crews are working to restore power to the remaining 935 customers without electricity as of 9:08 AM today.
837 of the 935 are customers of Washington Electric Cooperative, almost a third of them in East Montpelier with 253, according to VToutages.org.
“We’ve made a lot of progress over the last few days, and utility crews are working tirelessly to get the last households restored as soon as possible. The utilities report this final phase of restoration is in mostly isolated wooded areas, where lines are difficult to get to and repair. Utility companies are working together to get this work done safely and quickly,” said Governor Phil Scott in a Dec. 27 statement.
Throughout the weekend, there were 20 shelters and warming centers open, including three run or supported by the American Red Cross and seven supported by the Vermont National Guard, Scott’s office said.
Agency of Transportation crews worked diligently to treat roads in difficult conditions, including 66,920 lane miles plowed, applying 5,538 gallons of magnesium chloride, 74,128 gallons of sodium chloride and 6,118 tons of winter salt, the governor’s office said.
No traffic fatalities have been reported by Vermont State Police since the storm began last Thursday.
Over the activation period beginning Friday at 8 AM, the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) also responded to 86 calls from local emergency management officials and power outages and other storm-related needs at essential infrastructure including healthcare facilities and correctional institutions.
The Vermont State Police responded to 73 storm-related incidents, including 70 highway accidents.
The SEOC included representatives from the Agency of Human Services, Agency of Transportation, Agency of Digital Services Public Service Department, Department of Health, Vermont State Police, Division of Fire Safety, Urban Search and Rescue, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department Forest Parks & Recreation, Vermont National Guard, American Red Cross, Vermont 211, Green Mountain Power, Washington Electric Co-Op, Vermont Electric Co-Op, and more.
Vermonters can stay up to date on emergency responses at https://vem.vermont.gov/.