In Photos: Mother Nature Whacks Westport

Many Westporters are out and about today but driving through town is not an easy task.

Downed trees and power lines are seen on many residential roads. In some cases, trees are hanging over power lines and live wires are lying in the streets. Westport emergency management services blocked access to many roads in these cases and other areas where it's unsafe to drive. Caution tape and blockades highlight the dangerous areas throughout town.

Westport Fire Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried urges residents to stay home if possible due to the dangerous conditions, especially in regard to live wires. He has called in as many off-duty firefighters as possible. On-duty and off-duty fire personnel, First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, Westport Police, and CL&P personnel are operating out of the Westport Fire Department headquarters. A contingent of crews from PSE&G light is also coming to Westport to aid in restoring power and removing live wires from the roadways.

As for traffic, the Post Road consists of several delays due to the lack of power. Traffic lights are out along the Post Road and many gas stations are out of service or only accepting cash payments. 

At 5:50 p.m., Connecticut Light & Power reported 7,220 Westporters are still without power. That's about 59 percent of its total customers.