UPDATE: Power restoration efforts are in full swing across Clark County, Washington, as crews from Clark Public Utilities work tirelessly to repair extensive storm damage. Following a severe storm that struck early Wednesday morning, 98,000 customers lost power due to downed lines from fallen trees and strong winds. By late Wednesday night, that number had drastically decreased to around 5,000 outages.
The outages began around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from utility crews. “We’re working to restore power, triage the damage and build a plan,” said Dameon Pesanti, spokesperson for Clark Public Utilities. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “Things have been very busy.”
Residents like Andrew Colver expressed their frustration and concern during the outage. “I hope the lights get turned back on and my freezer full of salmon doesn’t go bad,” he said while navigating his darkened neighborhood. “We don’t miss electricity until it’s gone.”
The storm’s impact was felt beyond residential areas; local businesses also faced difficulties. Grains of Wrath, a restaurant in downtown Camas, announced on social media that it would be “closed until further notice due to storm damage” after part of its outdoor canopy was destroyed. This disruption left customers like Linda Mallon scrambling for alternative dining options. “Power is hit or miss throughout town. Some places are open, and right next door some are closed,” she noted.
As utility crews continue to restore power, Pesanti urged residents to report any power outages to facilitate quicker repairs. He also warned of the dangers of downed power lines, particularly near standing water. “It’s not worth the risk,” he said, reinforcing safety measures as crews prepare for potential additional storms.
While residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution, the atmosphere remains tense as many await the return of electricity. Colver expressed gratitude for the hard work of utility workers, stating, “I know they’re working very hard. Thank you very much for all that you’re doing.”
Clark Public Utilities has committed to keeping the community updated as restoration efforts progress. Residents are advised to stay tuned for the latest updates and to prioritize safety during this critical period.
