Update 12:15 p.m.
As of midday, White Oak Shade Road between Gerdes Road and Shagbark Lane remained closed for restoration efforts by Eversource due to Wednesday night’s storm, police said. Eversource now expects power to be restored by 5 p.m. “This is just an estimation and could be longer depending on work that needs to be completed by Eversource,” according to Police Lt. Jason Ferraro. “Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes through the afternoon rush hour.”
Update 6:39 a.m.
Roads are blocked at Marvin Ridge, Conrad and Wydendown Roads as well as White Oak Shade Road at Brookside, according to the Office of Emergency Management. Most of the 402 New Canaan homes still without power will be restored this morning, officials said, citing information from Eversource.
Original Article
Emergency management officials say most town roads should be passable by Wednesday morning’s commute after a violent storm Tuesday downed trees and power lines, knocking power out of 14 percent of New Canaan homes.
Live wires downed in the Oct. 2, 2018 storm spark fires at Forest Street and Locust Avenue. Photo published with permission from its owner
At the height of the high winds and heavy rain, more than 1,200 local homes were without power and 18 roads were blocked, according to the New Canaan Officer of Emergency Management. Fire and police starting around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday responded to multiple reports of downed wires and electrical problems, including on Ashe Tree Lane, White Oak Shade Road, Turner Hill Road, New Norwalk Road and Forest Street. Commuters faced major headaches as a downed tree blocked Merritt Parkway traffic northbound between Exits 37 and 38.
The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for the area earlier in the day.
Emergency Management Director Mike Handler said that as of 1:30 a.m., 832 homes remained without power, but that most of those—on White Oak Shade and New Norwalk Roads—would be restored by 6 a.m.
According to Eversource, 402 New Canaan homes remained without power as of 5:50 a.m. Wednesday.
“The remaining 65 homes are being worked on as well; but remember, single service outages take longer to restore,” Handler said in his update. “Progress continues on clearing roadways. It is anticipated that most, if not all, roads will be passable for the morning commute. In the event that hazards remain, we will ensure they are clearly marked for your safety.”
Metro-North Railroad reported “Good Service” on the New Canaan branch line at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Public schools are on a regular schedule.
Residents are urged to stay clear of any downed wires. Call (203) 594-3500 to report non-emergencies and reserve 911 for life-threatening emergencies.