Power restoration from Portland-area ice storm could take a week more
(Update: National Guard delivers supplies)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Members of the Oregon National Guard delivered supplies to people without power as problems lingered from an ice storm the wreaked havoc on the electrical grid beginning more than a week ago
A utility official said some communities may not see power for another week.
More than 38,000 customers remained without power on Sunday. Portland General Electric said it had restored power to more than 14,000 customers Saturday as it faced ongoing challenges with restoring the grid.
The worst ice storm in 40 years knocked out power to more than 350,000 residents at its peak and killed five people, including four who died from carbon monoxide poisoning as they tried to stay warm.
The damage and dangerous conditions left behind by the storm that started Feb. 12 were the worst in the history of Portland General Electric, according to the company.
One-quarter of customers lost power multiple times over the course of the three-day storm as ice-laden trees fell on lines. A layer of ice an inch thick coated power lines and trees, adding 1,000 pounds of extra weight to each span of wire from pole to pole, PGE said.
