Northeast 4 hours ago Massive storm leaves more than 1.5M without power in Northeast

A massive storm system packing powerful winds and drenching rains left more than 1.5 million homes and businesses without power Monday across the Northeast, forcing hundreds of schools to close.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood and high wind warnings across the region, and there were reports of downed trees and power lines, while some roads were impassible in spots due to flooding. Trees also fell onto some homes and vehicles, but no serious injuries were reported.

"Even if you're not experiencing the rain, the wind could knock you down, also it could knock down some power lines as well," Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean said Monday.

 

A motorist turns around after finding downed trees blocking Flying Point Road during a storm in Freeport, Maine  (AP)

In Connecticut, more than 131,000 customers were without power, according to power company Eversource. National Grid also reported close to 300,000 customers were without power in New York state, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Some utility companies warned customers that power could be out for a few days.

In Maine, nearly 500,000 customers were without electricity; hundreds of school districts canceled classes Monday and others delayed openings. Central Maine Power said more than 350,000 customers ─ more than half of the energy company’s customer base ─ were without service, topping the the Ice Storm of 1998.

    A look at storm damage and an update: https://t.co/KHuOspivgx . Outage numbers higher than ice storm of '98. Recovery will take several days pic.twitter.com/RpUrGcFx0a
    — Central Maine Power (@cmpco) October 30, 2017

“The region is still experiencing strong winds, which create dangerous conditions for service restoration,” said spokesperson Gail Rice. “Our first priority is public safety, and crews are busy grounding and de-energizing downed lines so they don’t pose a danger to first responders or the public. This critical step needs to be completed before restoration can begin.”

A woman walks by a food stand and a tree that were toppled by a storm in Freeport, Maine.  (AP)

In neighboring New Hampshire, over 200,000 customers were without power.

"We need about 24 to 48 hours to really get a good handle on what the scope of the damage is," Seth Wheeler, a spokesman for New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, told WMUR-TV. "We'll be making restorations along the way, but this is going to be a multiple-day event."

"I think if you're without power at this time, you should expect to remain without power, possibly for a number of days," he added.