Norwalk issues updates on Isaias cleanup

NORWALK, Conn. — Eversource reported 253 customers still without power as of 3 a.m. Tuesday, nearly a week after Tropical Storm Isaias blew in and created damage comparable to Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The cleanup of fallen trees and debris continues, Norwalk Deputy Director of Emergency Management Michele DeLuca and Mayor Harry Rilling said.

“All 214 roads that were completely or partially blocked by downed wires and trees are now open,” DeLuca wrote in her Monday evening update.

“As of 4 p.m. today, there were still nearly 1,000 Eversource customers without power in Norwalk across 170 different streets,” Rilling’s evening update said.

“Multiple restoration crews are in Norwalk, though exact numbers and locations aren’t being provided by Eversource,” DeLuca wrote. “As of 6:00 pm, there are 518 Eversource outages still being reported. Several of these Norwalk outages are related to larger restoration issues in Westport and Wilton. Power Restoration is expected to be completed tomorrow. The city will continue to focus on restoration of the communication utilities.”

There are other practical problems.

“Due to the overwhelming amount of debris that has been cleared, the Yard Waste Site is nearly at capacity. It will be at least two weeks before a city-wide yard waste collection will occur and more details will be announced shortly,” Rilling’s update said. “The Yard Waste Site is open this week from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays, and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. A disposal pass is required.”

Also:

• “With a heat index in the 90s for the next few days, Mayor Rilling has opened the Community Room at the Norwalk Police Department as a cooling center. Masks/face coverings are required,” Rilling’s update said.
• “The Main branch of the Norwalk library is offering an outdoor charging area on Monday. Residents can also go to the SONO collection for charging. Both sites have WiFi,” DeLuca’s update said.
• “Residents that have questions or need information, are asked to contact Customer service at 203-854-3200. Polling locations will be operation for Tuesday’s primary,” DeLuca’s update said.

“I continue to be disappointed with the slow response time from Eversource,” Rilling is quoted as saying. “The biggest issue during this storm and aftermath has been the total lack of communication from Eversource management. Surely more storms will hit Connecticut and this has to improve and improve fast.”