UPDATE: Power restoration efforts are in full swing in Clark County, Washington, as utility crews work tirelessly to repair extensive storm damage. As of late Wednesday night, approximately 5,000 customers remain without power, down from a staggering 98,000 at the peak of outages caused by strong winds and falling trees.
The outages began around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday when a severe storm swept through the region. “We don’t miss electricity until it’s gone,” said local resident Andrew Colver, who expressed concern for his freezer full of salmon while walking through his darkened neighborhood in east Vancouver. “I’ve had to sit in my car to charge my phone.”
Utility crews from Clark Public Utilities are working around the clock to restore power. Spokesperson Dameon Pesanti confirmed, “Things have been very busy. We’re working to restore power, triage the damage, and build a plan.” He encouraged residents to report outages to expedite repairs.
The storm has also impacted local businesses, with Grains of Wrath, a popular restaurant in downtown Camas, forced to close due to damage to its outdoor seating area. “We were going to eat here, but now we’re going to find something else, hopefully,” said customer Linda Mallon, highlighting the confusion as power remains inconsistent across the area.
Pesanti warned residents to stay clear of downed power lines, especially near standing water, stating, “It’s not worth the risk.” Utility crews are also preparing for the possibility of additional storms in the coming days, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.
“I know they’re working very hard,” Colver remarked, expressing gratitude for the utility workers’ efforts during this challenging time. “Thank you very much for all that you’re doing.”
As crews continue their restoration efforts, residents are reminded to remain patient and stay informed about the situation. Follow local updates for the latest developments regarding power restoration in Clark County.
