The Morning After

Eversource is still “evaluating damage,” with few indications of when power will be restored. We are now up to nearly 97% of the town without power.

Cell service is out around town. The usual options for shelter (and power-charging) — the Senior Center and Library — are closed. (The library may open tomorrow. And part of downtown — including Starbucks — has power.)

And of course, we have COVID to consider.

We’re in this for the long haul. 

Look out for each other. Play nice. Share. Don’t snap at people. 

And if you’ve got tips — about WiFi hotspots, what’s open, how to cope, whatever — click “Comments.”

(NOTE: “06880” is in the same boat. I’ll post when I can. But my ability to respond to emails and do all my usual “stuff” is limited. I’ll try my best, along with everyone else.)

Grove Point Road is just one example off Isaias’ devastation. (Photo/John Kantor)

Below is 1st Selectman Jim Marpe’s message from last night:

I would like to brief you on today’s severe weather that has greatly impacted the Town of Westport.

As a result of today’s storm, 60 roads are closed and most traffic lights in town are not operating. We strongly advise you to stay off the roads. There is a high probability that there are live wires on the ground that may be difficult to see this evening. Always assume that any wire you see on the ground is live.

We believe that Westport may have been the hardest hit community in the state. Our beaches are closed, and the golf course at Longshore Park has been severely damaged and will most likely be closed tomorrow. As of right now, 94% of Westport’s Eversource customers are without power. Now that the winds have died down, Eversource crews will begin to start restoring power, but it may be days until your power is restored. Similarly, many businesses are without power and may be closed as well.

Please stay home and keep the road clear for our emergency responder and the power restoration crews.

In addition, hundreds of tree limbs remain hung up in wires and trees and present a risk to anyone who is walking or driving underneath them. When you encounter yellow emergency barrier tape, please don’t drive or walk through. They are set up to protect you.

In closing, most of us are without power, so we are in this together. You are not alone. Our emergency personnel are out in town and responding to emergencies. If you have an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911.

Look for our next update mid-day tomorrow.

And please remember, we are still fighting the COVID-19 virus so practice, social distancing and using face coverings more than ever. Please help protect our community as we work together to get through the pandemic and this latest weather crisis. Remember, you are safe at home; not stuck at home.

This is Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe.

Instructions:

Please stay away from any downed power lines and call emergency services for any unsafe situations.

For full details, view this message on the web.