Storm Update: When Will Power Be Restored In Hard-Hit Madison?

MADISON, CT — It's been three days since Tropical Storm Isaias ripped through Madison, knocking out power to 80 percent of the town. Eversource reports that while several thousand customers have seen power restored, the lights are still out for almost half the town's homes and businesses.

And, there are still some 20 roads in town that are blocked with downed trees and power lines. First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said late Friday afternoon that Eversource needs to "assess wires to make them safe for removal."

"Since yesterday evening, Eversource has dedicated a number of crews to our town who are focusing on restoring major circuits and critical infrastructure, including tackling significant damage at facilities like Concord Meadows and the North Madison Shopping Plaza," she said.

Lyons said that some who have power may see a brief disruption "due to their line work; it is necessary to make safe repairs," and reminded people to treat all wires as live.

Where to get water, charge devices, access WiFi access, or take a shower

The Town Campus Emergency Shelter will stay open throughout the weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can use the facilities for accessing WiFi, charging cell phones, and showering. In addition, for our Senior Citizens aged 65 or older, the Madison Senior Center will be open this weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for device charging, WiFi access and as a cooling center. Shower facilities are also available at the Daniel Hand High School locker rooms from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., which are located by the Tiger Door back entrance. Please remember that social distancing rules will be in effect at all town facilities, a mask must be worn to enter into any building, and access may be limited due to COVID-related capacity restrictions. Hoses for potable water remain available at Daniel Hand by the loading dock, at Brown Intermediate School, and at Town Campus. Please remember to bring your own container.

With beach demand likely to spike this weekend, an Executive Order

As power outages continue throughout the state, we are likely to see an even greater demand for beach access this weekend, putting significant pressure on safe capacity levels. As a result, I have signed an Executive Order that limits access to all Madison town beaches to residents only starting Friday through Sunday, Aug. 16.

This order applies to people 16 and older, and includes walk-ins to beach facilities. Visitors must provide proof of residency at the gates such as a driver's license, student ID, tax bill, lease agreement, or locally addressed mail. Beach stickers are still required seven days a week to use beach parking lots and no visitor parking passes will be sold. Capacity limitations will remain in place in order to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Contact the Beach & Recreation Director at erskinesa@madisonct.org for more information on facility access.

"I realize this may create an inconvenience for residents as they visit our beach facilities, but this temporary measure is necessary to protect the public's health and safety in these challenging times while so many are without power," Lyons said.

Special thanks

Lyons ended her update to the community with a shout-out.

"Tonight, I want to give a special thanks to all our first responders, including fire, police and dispatch, and our public works team, for their enormous efforts to make our neighborhoods safe," she said. "They have gone the extra mile to get things done with limited resources."

"Let's continue to work together as a community to get through this challenging emergency situation," Lyons wrote. "Stay safe Madison. Thank you."