UPDATE: Power restoration efforts are intensifying across Clark County as utility crews from Clark Public Utilities work tirelessly to address widespread outages caused by severe winds and falling trees. The storm, which hit early Wednesday morning, left as many as 98,000 customers without power at its peak around 1:30 a.m.
As of late Wednesday night, the outage number has significantly decreased to approximately 5,000 customers, but many residents are still in the dark. “I hope the lights get turned back on and my freezer full of salmon doesn’t go bad,” said Andrew Colver, who was navigating his darkened neighborhood in east Vancouver. “We don’t miss electricity until it’s gone,” he added, highlighting the emotional toll on households.
Officials from Clark Public Utilities confirm that crews are working around the clock, assessing damage and prioritizing repairs. “Things have been very busy,” stated Dameon Pesanti, a spokesperson for the utility. He encouraged residents to report any outages, stating, “We’re working to restore power, triage the damage and build a plan.”
The storm’s impact extended beyond residential areas, affecting local businesses as well. In downtown Camas, the popular restaurant Grains of Wrath announced it would remain closed “until further notice due to storm damage.” The unexpected closure left patrons like Linda Mallon scrambling for alternative dining options. “Power is hit or miss throughout town,” she noted, reflecting the uncertainty many are facing.
Authorities are warning residents to exercise caution around downed power lines. “Stay as far away as possible, particularly near standing water. It’s not worth the risk,” advised Pesanti, as crews also prepare for additional storms forecasted for the coming days.
As utility workers continue their dedicated efforts, community members like Colver expressed gratitude. “I know they’re working very hard,” he said. “Thank you very much for all that you’re doing.”
For those affected, the situation remains dynamic, and residents are urged to stay informed and safe as power restoration efforts proceed. Keep an eye on updates for further developments in this ongoing situation.
