FROM FACEBOOK
A photo from Tuesday’s storm that was posted on the Oxford Center Fire Company’s Facebook page.
Oxford schools will not open Monday, First Selectman George Temple said in a “Code Red” robocall Saturday afternoon.
Temple said 40 crews from Eversource were making repairs in Oxford. There are three crews charged with replacing broken telephone poles.
Update: As of 5:30 a.m. Sunday, the restoration estimate for Oxford from Eversource changed from 11:59 p.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday.
“We understand how trying it is for our customers to be without power and we truly appreciate their support and understanding throughout this power restoration,”said Eversource Vice President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Michael Hayhurst. “The damage we’re encountering is historic, especially in areas we just recently gained access to. This continues to be a demanding a task, for example, more than 270 miles of electric lines came down in this storm – that’s twice the length of Connecticut. Our team in the field and behind the scenes is committed to working safely until every single customer has power back.”
As of 4 p.m. Saturday, 1,756 Eversource customers — or 32 percent of all Eversource customers in Oxford — were without power. Those homes and businesses have been without electricity since a serious wind and rain storm Tuesday evening. By Sunday morning, the percentage dropped to 20 percent without electricity.
A tornado touched down in Oxford during the storm, packing winds of 100 mph. No injuries have been reported, though the same storm system killed two people in the greater Danbury area.
Restoration is supposed to be substantially complete by 11:59 p.m. tonight. Update: As of 5:30 a.m. Sunday, the restoration estimate for Oxford from Eversource changed from 11:59 p.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Temple said people have been asking about personal property damage caused by Tuesday’s storm. He noted that most insurance companies will not cover downed trees, but said a local church is reaching out to help those who in need.
“If you are in need of help, please call the town hall Monday {(203) 888‑2543} and have your name put on the list,” Temple said.
The First Selectman also said Oxford High School football players have also volunteered to help clean up yards.
The town’s budget referendum, which was supposed to have happened this week, will be June 7.
“We will need a budget to pay for this mess,” Temple said.
