Urgent Power Restoration Efforts Underway in Clark County

UPDATE: Power restoration efforts are intensifying in Clark County, Washington, as utility crews work tirelessly to repair extensive damage caused by strong winds and falling trees. As of late Wednesday night, crews from Clark Public Utilities have reduced the number of outages from a staggering 98,000 customers at the peak of the storm to approximately 5,000 remaining without power.

The outages began around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday as a severe storm swept through the region. Residents are feeling the impact of the outages, with many expressing concern about spoiled food and loss of communication. “I hope the lights get turned back on and my freezer full of salmon doesn’t go bad,” said Andrew Colver, a resident of east Vancouver, who spent time in his car charging his phone during the blackout.

Authorities report that crews are working around the clock to restore power and assess damage. “Things have been very busy,” said Dameon Pesanti, a spokesperson for Clark Public Utilities. “We’re working to restore power, triage the damage, and build a plan.” Pesanti emphasized the importance of residents reporting outages promptly, helping crews locate issues more efficiently.

The storm has also affected local businesses, particularly in downtown Camas, where Grains of Wrath had to close due to severe damage to its outdoor seating area. The restaurant announced on social media it would remain “closed until further notice due to storm damage.” Local patrons like Linda Mallon are adapting their dining plans, saying, “Power is hit or miss throughout town. Some places are open, and right next door some are closed.”

As restoration efforts continue, Pesanti urged the public to stay clear of downed power lines, particularly those near standing water. “It’s not worth the risk,” he warned, adding that the utility is also preparing for further storms expected in the coming days.

Residents like Colver expressed gratitude towards utility workers amidst the chaos: “I know they’re working very hard,” he noted. “Thank you very much for all that you’re doing.”

Clark Public Utilities is committed to restoring power as quickly as possible, and residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates. As the situation develops, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to the ongoing power crisis.