‘Please be patient.’ Isaias’ force damages homes, kills power in Westport

Crews are expected to remain busy for the next several days. Chief Yost says 260 roads are closed and two-thirds involve downed power lines.

News 12 Staff

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Aug 5, 2020, 6:33 PM

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Updated 1,803 days ago

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The long cleanup is ongoing in Westport – one of the Connecticut communities hit hardest by a powerful Isaias.

Ninety-seven percent of the town was without power Wednesday – more than 12,200 Eversource customers. Full restoration isn't expected to come for several days.

MORE: Gov. Lamont, lawmakers call for investigation into power company response

Robert Yost, Westport's fire chief and emergency operations manager, told News 12 that the town has taken 180 calls since noon Tuesday – 50% were for homes damaged by trees. He says about 30% of those homes are uninhabitable.

“This is the worst I’ve seen it,” said Rachel Daren, of Westport. “It happened so fast…It was like a bowling ball.”

One of those homes was on Surf Avenue. During the storm, the roof and part of the second floor were torn off and landed in the middle of the block. It was unoccupied and under renovation.

Crews are expected to remain busy for the next several days. Chief Yost says 260 roads are closed and two-thirds involve downed power lines. They won’t be able to be cleared until utilities come in and removes the wires.

Chief Yost says the focus remains on getting roads open so emergency vehicles can get in and out.

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Isaias' aftermath

“We got to ask everybody to please be patient, stay off the roads,” he says. “…If we can get people to stay home, our lives would be a lot easier.”

Another challenge in Westport is the lack of cellular service. Residents say they are having a hard time getting calls, texting and sending/receiving emails.

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