As of 1:30 p.m. more than 1,000 Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) members were without power and that number is expected to grow as Irene moves northward. Heavy rains and strong winds are causing trees to uproot and fall on power lines. The effects of this powerful storm system are expected to be felt into Monday morning.

VEC line crews have been deployed and will work as long as weather permits safe power restoration. An additional factor hampering efforts is road closures caused by flash flooding.

The storm is expected to enter a lull for a brief period of time on Sunday afternoon before intensifying in the evening. More damage and power outages are expected to occur throughout the night. It is projected that by 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, Irene will move beyond Vermont.  Contract utility crews are on-hand and will be fully deployed on Monday morning as full damage assessments are made.

VEC members should report all outages by calling 1-800-832-2667.

For more information please visit our website at www.vermontelectric.coop/outage.