Central Maine Power Co. restored service to more than 460,000 homes and businesses after five days following a windstorm that knocked out power to more than half the homes and businesses in the state.  As of 8:30 p.m., the company reports an estimated 6,000 customers without power. Some of the remaining customers will be without power through the night, including many seasonal properties, which will be among the last to be restored.

More than 470,000 customers lost power at least once during the event or in the following days. At the storm's peak on Monday, more than 405,000 customers were without power, surpassing the impact on customers from the 1998 Ice Storm.

Storm Summary: Windstorm - October 30

On Monday, October 30, winds from an intense, low pressure system swept across Maine. Forecasts warned of a low risk of gusts to 60 mph at the immediate coast, but the storm arrived as a “bomb cyclone,” producing hurricane force winds offshore and gusts to 70 mph as far inland as Augusta. The unexpectedly strong storm caused damage across New England and the provinces of Québec and the Canadian Maritimes. In Maine, the winds caused widespread damage and the outage count soared to 405,000 by noon on Monday. Utility crews prioritized public safety, with a focus on “make-safe” work to reduce the hazards from downed wires and maintaining service to hospitals and other critical facilities. As a result of the storm and in the days that followed during restoration, more than 470,000 customers lost power at least one time.

The first full day of restoration began at first light on Tuesday, October 31, with a workforce of approximately 650 tree, line, and pole setting personnel plus field and administrative support. The emergency response effort expanded to all employees and began round-the-clock operations. Working through the North American Mutual Assistance Group (NAMAG), CMP received assistance from 16 states and 3 provinces:   Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, plus the provinces of Québec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The number of personnel increased daily to a peak of nearly 3,300 field and support personnel by Saturday, November 4, including 850 AVANGRID employees and 2,430 contractors.

The strong winds and heavy rains caused extensive damage as trees, many still in full leaf and weakened by drought, snapped or uprooted in rain saturated soil. The falling trees pulled down wires, snapped more than 1,400 poles, and left many roads impassable. 

Restoration estimates by town are being updated athttp://www.cmpco.com/outages/outageinformation.html with the most current information.

CMP reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews, the release said, The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone's consideration for their safety.