East Coast Power Outage Affects Over 500,000 Customers – The New York Times

Severe winter weather has struck the East Coast, leading to widespread power outages affecting over 500,000 customers. The extreme conditions, which included high winds, heavy wet snow, and falling trees, have resulted in significant disruptions across multiple states.

Extent of the Outages

As of now, approximately 650,000 electricity customers have lost power due to the relentless blizzard. Massachusetts has been the hardest hit, with reports indicating nearly 300,000 outages by midday.

State-by-State Impact

• Massachusetts: 285,000 customers without power; areas like Plymouth and Barnstable are particularly affected.
• New Jersey: More than 125,000 customers impacted due to severe wind conditions.
• ISO New England: Reports normal operating conditions across its grid despite local outages.

Causes of the Outages

Most outages are attributed to localized issues, such as downed power lines and poles. Unlike previous systemic failures seen in Texas, the current situation is largely manageable by grid operators.

Future Expectations

Weather forecasts anticipate worsening conditions, potentially leading to more outages. Strong winds and accumulating wet snow pose a threat to the stability of power infrastructure.

Restoration Timeline

Utility companies are bracing for extended restoration times. Eversource has warned that power restoration could take between three to five days. Customers are advised that difficult travel conditions may further delay restoration efforts.

Community Response

In response to the power outages, the town of Plymouth has opened an emergency shelter at a local high school. This initiative aims to assist residents without heat during plummeting nighttime temperatures expected in the coming days.

Safety Concerns

The potential for extended outages raises serious concerns for vulnerable residents lacking generators or backup heating systems. Community safety measures are crucial as temperatures drop into the teens.

As the storm continues to unfold, both utility companies and emergency services will be on high alert, working to restore power and ensure public safety on the East Coast.