Power Outages Rise as Irene Approaches Bay State

BOSTON (AP) — As winds from approaching storm Irene buffet Massachusetts, thousands of power outages are being reported, especially in southeastern and central areas.

Utilities reported about 35,000 customers had lost power by 9 a.m. Sunday.

State emergency management officials said they had no reports of major damage or injuries, but were keeping an eye on the potential for a storm surge during evening high tide on the south coast, and the possibility of flooding in western Massachusetts from heavy rains. Power outages are expected from steady winds downing trees and power lines.

Kurt Schwartz, the state’s emergency management director, says officials are hoping that Irene, now classified as a tropical storm, will lose some of its punch before it arrives in the afternoon.

The MBTA suspended service Sunday morning, and tolls were suspended on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Related posts:

1. About 70,000 Without Power in Conn. Ahead of Irene
2. State-by-State Look at Dangers in New England, Prep for Irene
3. Mass. Prepares for Possible Irene Impact
4. Deval Patrick Declares State of Emergency; Brings in National Guard
5. Tornado Watch Issued Rhode Island

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Posted by jcashman on Aug 28 2011. Filed under Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry