Maine

Emergency Proclamation Declared in Maine Due to Power Outages

Declaring an emergency proclamation for electricity restoration efforts, Maine Gov. Paul LePage is calling for residents to be cautious on the roads after an overnight storm caused more than 420,000 power outages throughout the state and closed down a number of streets with downed trees.

Following a briefing from state emergency management officials, LePage said most residents should have power back by the end of the week.

"The most important thing is that the power is restored as quickly as possible," said LePage.

Maine officials say one to two more inches of rain is possible before the end of Monday. Some stoplights are not functional, making for a treacherous commute in parts of the state. Others are flooded.

Central Maine Power said Monday the hardest hit counties are York, Cumberland, Kennebec, and Androscoggin.

"The wind was gusting very hard," said Portland resident Alex Layug, who had a large tree snap and topple on top of his roof, right above his bedroom. "I heard a loud groan… and a boom."

Downed trees and power lines are now trapping him inside his Massachusetts Avenue home, while he waits for utility crews. It could take days.

The Portland International Jetport had recorded a peak wind gust of 69 mph in the storm. The Amtrak Downeaster service canceled a morning run due to down trees on the tracks.

Numerous schools were canceled for the day. Others were delayed.

Click here to read the full emergency proclamation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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