Topline
Nearly 400,000 homes and businesses in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont grappled with power outages early Friday, after a severe winter storm dumped several inches of snow in the northeast region and caused major travel disruptions.
Key Facts
According to Poweroutage.us, more than 285,000 homes were without power in Maine early on Friday.
In a statement on Facebook, the stateās largest power supplier, Central Maine Power Company, said its crews were working to restore power in all affected areas, but added that the ādamage is severe and repairs are expected to take multiple days.ā
In neighboring New Hampshire, more than 109,000 homes and businesses remained without power early on Friday, along with 14,500 in Vermont.
New Hampshireās biggest electricity provider, Eversource, said its crews were also working overnight to restore power in affected areas, but warned āthis will be a multi-day restoration effort.ā
The stateās other major power provider, New Hampshire Electric Co-Op, also sought patience from customers and said they are facing a ālengthy restoration process.ā
Big Number
21.5 inches. That was the heaviest snowfall reported on Thursday in Maine in the town of Shapleigh, according to the National Weather Service.
What To Watch For
In an update Friday morning, the National Weather Service said the low-pressure system that caused the northeast winter storm will ālinger around Downeast Maineā for the next few days and spread āsnow showersā across the state and nearby areas that may be as high as 4 to 8 inches. But the āheaviest snowfallā is expected to end at night.
Crucial Quote
āAs crews continue to clear the roads, I urge Maine people to drive safely during the Friday morning commuteā¦Be sure to move over for plow trucks, utility crews, and first responders working to keep us safeāitās the law,ā Maine Governor Janet Mills said, adding that all state offices will open after 11 a.m. local time on Friday.
Further Reading
At Least 3 Dead And Dozens Injured In Severe Storms Across U.S. (Forbes)
Heavy Snow And Tornadoes: Hereās Where Aprilās Severe Weather Will Hit The Hardest (Forbes)