Town Will Be 'Substantially Restored' By Noon Today [UPDATE]

[Editor's note: the publication date on this article was changed for layout purposes.]

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1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5

First Selectman Pat Llodra issued the following report today:

From CL&P to me this morning:
Newtown has 15 line crews and 10 tree crews assigned today. We have 277 customers out of power. Thirty ”trouble spots” serving more than one customer have been identified; and 70 trouble spots serving one customer. “CL&P protocol is to work from the highest numbers on a trouble spot to the lowest." CL&P confirms their expectation that Newtown will be “substantially repowered by noon today”.

The latest outage map, updated as of 12:58 p.m. on Nov. 5, shows that Newtown has 247 households—2% of CL&P customers in town—without power.

5:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5

CL&P's latest update on its outage map shows that 2% of the town is without power—that's down from 7% last night.

Still, as temperatures dip into the low 30s and the town enters its eighth day of the recovery effort from Hurricane Sandy, the are still 279 Newtown households without power and a total of 23,786 across the utility's territory in the state. UI has 10,418 customers without power.

Meanwhile, students return to school today for the first time since Oct. 26, after five days off due to power outages and downed trees in roadways.

8:40 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

First Selectman Pat Llodra just issued a new Code Red message. Here is the text of what she said:

Good evening. This is Pat Llodra calling from the Selectman’s office. Coming into day 8 of this storm event, Newtown is at 7% outage, some 800 customers still without power. Some, I hope many; of these remaining outages will be cleared before the end of the day. This afternoon CL&P announced that Newtown will be “substantially restored” by noon on Monday, November 5. 

As you know, roads have been sufficiently cleared for school to be in session tomorrow. Please be very cautious however when you travel on secondary roads as there is much more work to be done to remove all debris and wires from the sides of the roadway. That clean-up work will continue over the next few weeks. 

Tonight promises to be quite cold which poses a significant problem to the elderly and frail that might not yet have power. Please reach out to those in need. If you have significant concerns about the condition of any resident, contact dispatch at 203-270-4200.

If Connecticut Light and Power delivers on their projection of close to full restoration by tomorrow noon, then this is likely the last code red message for this event. I am sure we are all more than ready to have this come to an end.  It has been a very difficult time for all of us. Our patience has been sorely tested.

I sincerely thank the many, many good souls who volunteered with important assistance in so many ways. We are fortunate in Newtown to have so many who care about others and who extend a helping hand.    

I am hopeful to not have to use Code Red again for a long, long time. Certainly I would like my voice to be associated with something positive and not local disasters.

That is all for this evening. I wish you a belated Happy Halloween and a good night. Rest well Newtown.  

1:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

This just in from First Selectman Pat Llodra:

Current conditions: 11% outage; 1100 customers

Newtown has 15 line crews and 10 tree crews working in trouble spots all over town. Additional crews will be deployed this afternoon.

Specific municipal restoration projections not provided by Cl&P. Global (all southwestern CT) “substantial completion” projection now set at Monday at 12 a.m. We continue to press for complete re-powering of Newtown and are making progress.

The Newtown shelter will likely close later this afternoon as the residents using the shelter have been repowered or relocated.

School bus routes have been traveled and have been determined to be safe. Later today, we expect Dr. Robinson to make a final decision about school for Monday.

More updates will be forthcoming later tonight.

5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

As temperatures dipped to near-freezing levels overnight, the number of Newtown households without power stands at 1,484, or 13% of the town.

There are seven other Connecticut towns that currently have a higher percentage of CL&P customers without power, according to the utility's outage map.

As First Selectman Pat Llodra notes in the update below, Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson will make a decision today about whether schools will be open tomorrow, Nov. 5. That decision, Llodra says, will be based in part on the results of an assessment of school bus routes that will be done at 10 a.m., to determine if they are safe.

12:12 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4

Major road clearing in the way of removing trees, obstructions and low wires was completed yesterday, First Selectman Pat Llodra stated in her latest update to local media outlets.

At 10 a.m. Sunday, drivers will travel the school bus routes to ensure that roads are safe for bus travel and bus stops are safe for students.  An announcement regarding school on Monday will be made by Sunday afternoon by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robinson.

The town will be offering a storm debris pick-up program by appointment.  Residents are asked to call the Public Works garage at 203-270-4300 to schedule the pick-up and learn the FEMA rules for that process.

Shower availability at NHS for tomorrow, Sunday Nov. 4, is from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., to accommodate athletic teams’ use of the locker rooms.       

Any, finally, Llodra said, "Please be alert that a number of FEMA scams are emerging. If you have any questions or concerns about FEMA related matters, please call Rob Sibley at 203-270-4351."   

10:50 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3

Connecticut Light & Power reports that only 13 percent of Newtown - 1,501 customers - are without electricity on Saturday night. The peak outage rate was 97 percent earlier this week.

4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3

First Selectman Pat Llodra just issued a new update on the status of the town's recovery. Here it is:

Newtown has 28 CL&P crews working on circuits and one crew working alongside Public Works on line and tree clearing.

The final road clearing in the Taunton area should be completed this afternoon. The crews then continue throughout the town with clearing trees on wires and wires hanging low to the road.

Tomorrow, beginning at 10 a.m., school bus routes will be run to identify any areas where additional road/wire work needs to be done in order to open schools on Monday. 

As of this writing we have 76% of the town repowered—an improvement but still leaving some 2,200 homes in the dark. CL&P continues to use just global projections and will not provide specific information for the town restoration.   

Our major priorities for today and tomorrow: 

1. Ensure that all roads will provide safe travel for school busses
2. Repower neighborhoods

1:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3

A message from the town's website:

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Newtown can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or by web enabled mobile device at: m.fema.gov.  

Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. You can also contact Rob Sibley, Deputy Director of Land Use, for local assistance to this program: rob.sibley@newtown-ct.gov, (203) 270-4351.  

Click here for Disaster Assistance.

1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3

Main Street's annual Halloween celebration will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

5:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3

According to CL&P's outage map, 32% of the town remains without power. That's 3,520 customers.

First Selectman Pat Llodra issued another Code Red message at 8 p.m. last night. Here's the text of what she said:

"As we finish day 5 of this event, we are 35% still without power. That is 3,817 homes without heat or light. I know that you are frustrated  with the duration of this problem – me too.

"We are very close through to having all roads open to emergency vehicles. As of this writing I believe we have three impassable roads, Taunton Hill, Taunton Lake, and Hall at Currituck.  We still have many, many locations with trees leaning on wires;  trees and wires partially obstructing roadways; and wires hanging low over roads.   We will be focusing on that work next in our effort to get roads safe for personal travel, and for school busses and ensure safe bus stops for students.   

"In the meantime, CL&P states that we are now in full power restoration mode.  Tomorrow, we will have at least the same number of crews as today. They will continue the repowering effort, working on all circuits.   

"I remind everyone to call in your outage every day.  It is very important that the data collected by the CL&P service center be accurate and we are already finding some discrepancies.

"To those who have experienced storm damage to personal property, a link to FEMA information is on the town website or can be accessed through contact with Rob Sibley at 203-270-4351.

"Hours at the Transfer Station have been extended. We are open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

"And, we will be having a debris pick up program but the details and schedule have not been worked out yet.

"That’s it for this evening. Good night and rest well."

11:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

Wishing Well, 107 Church Hill Rd., Sandy Hook, is open and will happily charge cell phones for visitors of the shop, Tamara Doherty said via e-mail.

10:54 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

PJ’S Laundromat, 110 Church Hiil Rd., Sandy Hook, is open. Services offered including washing, drying, folding and self-service recharge batteries. The laundromat also has WiFi and can be reached at 203-426-8679.

• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6:37 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

The C.H. Booth Library's Tellabration is taking place as scheduled tonight form 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Library. The annual storytelling festival for families, especially  with young people age 10 and up, features three professional 
storytellers Full details are at www.chboothlibrary.org. No sign-ups are 
required.

6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

The following update is from the Parks & Rec Department.

• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: All Treadwell fields are open 8:00 a.m. to dark (no lights)

• Walnut Tree field is open 8 a.m. to dark

• Reed soccer & softball fields are open 8 a.m. to dark

• Middle School soccer & softball fields are open 8 a.m. to dark

• PeeWee baseball (Watertown fields) is open 8 a.m. to dark

• Glander field is open 8 a.m. to dark

• Liberty field is open 8:00 am to dark

• Dickinson fields open 8:00 am to dark

• Head O' Meadow fields open 8:00 am to dark

• Middle School baseball field is closed

• High School baseball field is closed

• High Meadow (Fairfield Hills) baseball field is closed

• Fairfield Hills Soccer field is closed

• Fairfield Hills softball field is closed

• Middle Gate fields are closed

Fields will not be groomed or lined. Light availability will be reassessed next week. Our park bathroom facilities are closed. Portable toilets are located at select facilities.

4:38 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

Update from Pat Llodra:

As of 9 a.m. today, we have 26 line crews and 10 tree crews deployed in Newtown.

The initial list of roads being worked on by CL&P:

• Hanover
• Taunton area (5 roads)
• Flat Swamp
• Hattertown
• Currituck
• Scudder
• Arrowhead

Public Works, with an imbedded CL&P crew is working on:

• Brookbridge
• Lake Road
• Oak Drive
• Brushy Hill
• Pine Tree Hill
• Serenity/Lyrical
• Old Mill
• Swamp Road
• Bryan
• Highbridge/New Lebbon

Four roads have been added to the list of impassable roads: Oak Drive, Hall Lane, Covered Bridge and Valley View.

CL&P still has not released projection for municipal restoration. Global projections (state wide) call for 95% restoration by Monday at midnight.

1:32 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

CrossFit RedZone is open for business and has available WiFi, charging stations and water, Kurt Kling said via e-mail.

12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2

First Selectman Pat Llodra just shared the following information with local media outlets:

As of 9 a.m. today, we have 26 line crews and 10 tree crews deployed in Newtown.

The initial list of roads being worked on by CL&P:

• Hanover
• Taunton area (5 roads)
• Flat Swamp
• Hattertown
• Currituck
• Scudde
• Arrowhead

Roads being worked on by Public Works, with an imbedded CL&P crew:

• Brookbridge
• Lake Road
• Oak Drive
• Brushy Hill
• Pine Tree Hill
• Serenity/Lyrical
• Old Mill
• Swamp Road
• Bryan
• Highbridge/New Lebbon  

Four roads have been added to the list of impassable roads:

• Oak Drive
• Hall Lane
• Covered Bridge
• Valley View

CL&P still has not released projection for municipal restoration. Global projections (state–wide) call for 95% restoration by Monday midnight.

To see a map of impassable roads in town, click here.

10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1

Chris Petitti, owner of Cannon Ridge Training Center, is offering free showers at his facility. The training center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. He will extend the offer over the weekend if needed. Cannon Ridge is at 3 Simm Lane and can be reached at 203-307-5728.

The center has free WiFi and cable TV in the lounge.

8:10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1

First Selectman Pat Llodra issued a new Code Red message to the community this evening. Here it is in its entirety:

Today is day four of our struggle with Storm Sandy. At this writing we have 67% of our community without power. Slowly, too slowly neighborhoods are being opened and repowered.   

Twenty additional out-of-state crews were added to Newtown today and were deployed to work sites this afternoon. These line and tree crews are working on a major substation, the 37F circuits; and the 12 M circuits. These are major circuits that serve hundreds and hundreds of customers throughout the town.  Some of that work will be completed tonight and the rest will continue on Friday. Additional crews are promised to Newtown tomorrow and those will be deployed to work on the remaining circuits. I will report on that when I know how many crew and specifically what circuits are being worked on.

We started the day with a continuing priority to clear impassable roads and so far, have been able to open six more of those roads. As of this writing we have fifteen more roads impassable to emergency vehicles. There are too many of these impassable roads for me to mention here in the 2 minutes time allotment for this announcement. I will post the list on our town website and will submit it to the Bee and Patch.

Taunton Lane, Taunton Hill, Taunton Lake, and Scudder Road were on the priority list for today. Crews did not complete other work in time to get there so expect work to start there tomorrow. These roads were heavily impacted by the storm and remain closed – they are impassable until the clearing work is completed. Additional roads will be added to tomorrow’s priority list. The emergency operation team will develop the list in the morning. I will post that information on the town website and through other media.   

CL&P has not released the restoration projection for municipalities. Local information is much more relevant to us than their state-wide projection and we continue to push for a release of that projection so we know better what we are dealing with. I am told by CL&P representative that projection information will be available tomorrow.

Some quick new service info:

• Bottled water is available at the P&R building on Trades Lane, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wireless is now available at the library

That’s all for this evening. Be safe and rest well.

4:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1

The library now has working wireless, and it will be opening early tomorrow, Nov. 2, so hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1

Parks & Recreation reports that all fields remain closed at this time, including Treadwell and Tilson Turf Fields. Treadwell Park is open to the public, and Funspace and the Skatepart at Dickinson Park are open. The rest of the park remains closed. All walking trails remain closed.

1:30 p.m. Thursday, 11/1

First Selectman Pat Llodra just shared information that came about during this morning's meeting with emergency officials and CL&P representatives. Here's the scoop:

• 20 crews were added to Newtown today
• Crews are working on opening roads and all major circuits
• Walnut Tree Village is being assessed and then repowered
• Walnut Tree Hill is now open
• 20 roads are still impassable (will try to get the list and details out)
• Roads focused on today (for reopening): Great Quarter, Walnut Tree, Taunton Hill area, Flat Swamp, Hattertown, Scudder, and Great Ring

11:48 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

The following is a "Fact Sheet" shared by the town on its website.

SAFETY 1ST

• Don’t use outside cooking equipment inside
• Keep generator exhaust away from residence
• Stay away from power lines

WATER and other commodities DISTRIBUTION

• Potable water distribution will begin, tomorrow, Thursday Nov. 1st. Details for time and location will be posted once available.
• Non-potable water will be available, via hose – bring your own container, at the fire houses

COMFORT ZONES and SERVICES

• Cyrenius Booth Library is open! 25 Main Street, Electricity, heat, coffee, Mon-Thurs 9:30 AM – 8 PM, Fri 11 AM – 5 PM, Sat 9:30 AM – 5 PM, Sun 12 – 5 PM. No wireless at this time. As soon as it comes back, we will post it.
• Power charging (cell phones, laptops, etc.) and work areas: Municipal Center, 8 AM - 8 PM

• Shelter is located at Newtown High School, Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, for shelter and shower
• Showers and charging:
  o Newtown Youth Academy, Fairfield Hills, 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  o Masonicare, 139 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook
  o Newtown High School, go around to new back entrance, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Newtown Transfer Station is open every day 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

DUMPSTERS for spoiled food will be available at Newtown High School front parking lot on right and at lower, back parking lot at Edmond Town Hall near Hook & Ladder firehouse – these will be available after 6:00 pm October 31st.

TO SEE UPDATES

• www.newtown-ct.gov
• www.newtown.patch.com
• www.newtownbee.com

PHONE NUMBERS

• Emergency - 911
• Newtown Emergency Response Information – 203-270-4326
• Newtown Health District – 203-270-4291
• First Selectman’s Office 203-270-4201
• Police Dispatch – for routine non-emergency – 203-270-4200
• CL&P – 1-800-286-2000
• Please do not call Newtown Dispatch about power restorations

11:11 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

Newtown Public Schools will be closed again tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 2. Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson made the decision this morning after a briefing with town officials and CL&P representatives.

11:10 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

The Senior Walking Program is canceled for the rest of the week and resume on Monday, Nov. 5. The last class is Friday, Nov. 9.

11:02 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty's Newtown and Danbury offices are fully functional with power, phones, and Internet. People are welcome to recharge or use the WiFi.

Locations: 34 Church Hill Rd., Newtown, next to Starbucks. 12 Federal Rd., Danbury, in front of Home Depot.

8:30 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

Power outages remain high for Newtown as 8,202, or 75% of the town, is still in the dark as of 8:25 a.m.

First Selectman Pat Llodra and Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson will be meeting with emergency and CL&P officials at 10 a.m. for an update on road closures and power restoration efforts.

1:20 a.m. Thursday, 11/1

Newtown is conducting debris pick-up, First Selectman Pat Llodra said. Those interested in debris pick-up are asked to stack it by the road; butt end out; 3" in diameter, and notify the town of your need for pick-up at 203-270-4201, she said. A schedule is not available yet.

4:47 p.m. Wednesday, 10/31

A Halloween message from the Pat Llodra, first selectman of Newtown:

• The traditional Main Street Trick or Treating event has been rescheduled for Sunday evening, November 4. Police support will be available for that event from 5 to 8 p.m.

• The Emergency Operations Team strongly discourages trick or treating in any town location tonight. This is a Public Safety concern… We continue to experience some tree and limb fall and many wires are broken or hanging very low. It is simply not safe.

4:05 p.m. Wednesday 10/31

Superintendent of schools Janet Robinson has made no decision on whether to close school on Fri., Nov. 2. Schools are already closed on Nov. 1.

Robinson said she would make that decision after getting an update on road closures and power restoration at the town's emergency operations center tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Four schools have power and three do not. The schools without power are Newtown High School, Sandy Hook School and Head O' Meadow. 

“It’s hard. I just don’t have a crystal ball," ” she said. "We’re at the mercy of getting roads clear and power back on.”

She added, "If we can save even one day that’s a valuable day in June."

She said she understands if families need to leave town to stay elsewhere, but she would like to keep the school open on Friday if she can. 

2:57 p.m. Wednesday, 10/31

Treadwell Park is now open for public use. All fields at Treadwell Park are still closed to organized sports groups at this time. All walking trails in town are closed.

2:52 p.m. Wednesday, 10/31

First Selectman Pat Llodra said there are seven crews, line and tree combined, working in different parts of town.

2 p.m. Wednesday, 10/31

While progress is being made in town on the power restoration front, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra said it is not happening fast enough.

"I’m always believing that things can be done better, more quickly and more efficiently,” she said.

CL&P has been responsive to the town's concerns, Llodra said, but, she added, things could be happening faster.

According to Llodra, the town's hands are tied to a certain degree due to CL&P protocol that prohibits municipal employees from touching any tree that is connected to downed wires. "We really take a backseat to their protocol," she said.

Llodra explained what the utility's protocol is:

• "Patrollers" to drive street-by-street to assess where power lines have been compromise
• Damage is document and notes are made on what resources will be needed
• That info is brought back to the utility's service center in town, which for Newtown is on Barnabas Road in Hawleyville

As far as the priority in restoring power, Llodra also provided insight into how that works.

The first priority is called "make safe" in which the town and CL&P work to make sure emergency services personnel have access to residents, and that residents also have access to critical services the town provides during an emergency, like a shelter.

From there, the focus turns to critical facilities such as the prison, pump house, water sewer treatment plant, the police and fire departments and municipal offices. All of those buildings have power, Llodra said.

Repowering schools and other service facilities come next, and then involved with that is restoring circuits that can bring back online the most customers as possible.

The reality, Llodra said, is that those not near a school or a critical piece of infrastructure will be lower down on the priority list.

Road Closures

The first selectman declined to provide a list of road closures in town, but did provide some information about the progress of clearing some of the main arteries around town.

Route 34, after being brought down to one lane from downed trees, is now open. And Route 302 is expected to open back up today, Llodra said. "That road is being worked on very aggressively right now," she said.

"The main roads, for the most part, are open and safe," she added.

Most secondary roads are in pretty good shape, according to Llodra. Roads that are compromised have been ID’d and caution tape or some sort of barrier to alert motorists have been put in place, she said.

"We have 265 miles of road so it would be virtually impossible for me to list every road that is compromised," Llodra said.

She noted that reports are still coming in of new downed trees and "leaners."

12:05 p.m. Wednesday, 10/31

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson announced that Newtown schools will be closed again tomorrow, Nov. 1.

11:30 a.m. Wednesday, 10/31

Jeff Thibodeau has been working 16- to 18-hour days since Hurricane Sandy hit. The CL&P lineman and Newtown resident says the utility is focusing its efforts first on restoring major infrastructure and arteries, and that they will work their way into neighborhoods from there.

Thibodeau nor CL&P has released a list of what streets they are tackling first or given an estimate of when power will be back up. As of 11:30 a.m., 83% of the town is still in the dark.

Asked when the town would be back at 100% power, Thibodeau said his best guess was that it would be sometime next week before every single Newtown household and business was restored.

He was working on Elm Drive and Route 302 near the Boggs Hill Road detour at about 10 a.m. Route 302 remains closed at that intersection due a downed tree that took down power lines and is blocking the street.

Thibodeau is not the only one who has been working long hours in the wake of Sandy.

Matt Lynch said he worked for more than 24 hours straight this week. The Hook & Ladder volunteer said firefighters were extra busy during Sandy, responding to many calls of downed trees on power lines and automatic alarms. There were also a few reports of structure fires that, he said, thankfully were false alarms.

Lynch is a groundskeeper at Newtown Country Club. This morning, he was picking up the pieces of a 40-foot tree limb that crashed onto the green of the eighth hole, a par 3. Aside from the damage to the green from the weight of the tree falling on it, he said the course didn't get too beat up from Sandy.

Lynch also lucked out on the power front, he said. His power came back on at 2:30 this morning.

A resident of Diamond Drive, he was thankful that he only went about two days without power during this storm. He was in the dark for nine days during last October's nor'easter.

9:20 p.m. Tuesday, 10/30

In her latest Code Red message to Newtown residents, First Selectman Pat Llodra offered an update on where the town stands in its recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Here's what she said:

"We made some small progress today in repowering Newtown. Critical facilities such as the police department, Garner Prison, the water treatment plant, municipal center, and the Emergency Operations Center have had their circuits restored. But at this writing we remain 86% out of power. We also have opened a number of roads blocked by trees and wires in our effort to ensure that all residents have access to emergency services. The road opening effort will continue at least through tomorrow with at least 40 more such blocked roads and neighborhoods."

"Once roads are open and made safe, we can turn our attention with CL&P to an aggressive restoration schedule. As mentioned in today’s earlier code red, all major circuits have been affected by the storm, but the tree damage is not as extensive as in prior events."

"Our shelter at NHS continues to provide support for those in need. Masonicare, located on Toddy Hill Rd., has generously offered their facility for showering. Fire Departments are providing non-potable water. And the municipal center is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for respite; for repowering electronics; and for Internet access."

"Schools are closed again tomorrow. The decision to open schools for Thursday will be made by the school superintendent given information about conditions that exist later tomorrow."

"Finally, regarding Halloween, please know that Borough Warden Jim Gaston and I agree that public safety concerns prohibit the traditional Main Street Halloween trick or treating event from going forward tomorrow. Some folks are working on an alternative Halloween event for later in the week. I am hopeful that those plans come to fruition and that I am able to tell you more in the next day or so."

"That’s all for this evening. Be safe and rest well Newtown."

To sign up for Code Red alerts, click on this link.

3 p.m. Tuesday, 10/30

Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra just issued a Code Red message to residents. Here's what she said:

"Good afternoon Newtown. This is Pat Llodra speaking from the Selectman’s Office. The worst of the storm is over and now it is time to begin the process of damage assessment, make safe, and then restoration. At 3 a.m. this morning our town reached 97% out of power. While this will certainly be a challenging and time-consuming restoration process, I am thankful that we have been spared the flooding, house fires, and personal injury experienced in other municipalities. We have hard work ahead of us, but we are whole, not harmed and will emerge intact.

"The first task on our agenda with CL&P is to respond to emergencies and the highest priorities such as fire hazards from downed wires; wires in trees blocking access to homes; and wires on structures. A primary goal is to ensure that every resident is safe and has appropriate access to emergency services. CL&P crews will also patrol all 265 miles of road for damage assessment. Once those tasks are complete I will be better able to inform you about the plan for restoration. While tree and wire damage is not as widespread as in past storms, our major circuits have been completely disabled. And there has been a great deal of damage to personal property with trees and limbs falling on homes and cars. Our clean-up work begins today and will continue for many days ahead.

"Please know you are welcome to spend time at the Municipal Center to charge your electronics, use our wi-fi, and relax a bit. We will be open for that service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For your personal comfort, showers are available at Masonicare and at NHS. Non-potable water can be found at each of our Fire Departments. Please bring your own container. We do ask that you use caution if you travel around town. Don’t spend more time out and about than is necessary. Some secondary roads are blocked with trees and wires; traffic signals are not working; and there may well be trees falling and limbs breaking away throughout the day.  

"The emergency team has recommended that schools be closed again tomorrow.     

"I will update you all this evening with more specific information about our situation. Until then, be safe; take care of yourself and your neighbors."

2:45 p.m. Tuesday, 10/30

Slight progress was made in power restoration in Newtown since Tuesday morning. 

Currently 9,640 homes, 88 percent of town, are without power as of 2:45 p.m., according to CL&P. Close to 1,300 homes have been restored since 9:45 a.m. this morning.

In most cases the first priority of CL&P crews is to make all roads passable for emergency vehicles.

12:11 p.m. Tuesday, 10/30

Showers are available at Masonicare and Newtown High School, First Selectman Pat Llodra reports.

9:45 a.m., Tuesday 10/30

If you live in Newtown and have power, you're part of a very small group.

10,638 of the 10,906 homes in Newtown are without power as of 9:45 a.m., according to CL&P. 97 percent of the town is in the dark.

The travel bans Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ordered in the state yesterday are now lifted, effective immediately, according to a press release from the governor's office.

7:52 a.m. Tuesday, 10/30

All Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles locations are closed today due to Hurricane Sandy.

7:37 a.m. Tuesday, 10/30

Reader Sue Christian said, on the Newtown Patch Facebook page: Wires & big trees down on Valley Field Rd. , near the south end of Sandy Hook. One damaged a house in that area.

7:22 a.m. Tuesday, 10/30

The Newtown Municipal Center will open by 8 a.m. today as a respite and charging station, according to First Selectman Pat Llodra.

5:15 a.m. Tuesday, 10/30

Ninety-seven percent of Newtown homes, or 10,609 customers, are without power this morning, according to CL&P's outage map.

9:40 p.m. Monday 10/29

Nearly every home in Newtown is in the dark Monday night.

10,384 households, or 95 percent of town, are without power as of 9:40 p.m., according to CL&P.

The number of outages has skyrocketed in the past several hours, and remains significantly higher than several surrounding towns. 39 percent of homes in Southbury are without power, 34 percent in Middlebury, and 49 percent in Woodbury.

Statewide 475,839 homes, or 38 percent of CL&P customers, are without power.

7:45 p.m. Monday 10/29

The amount of power outages in Newtown has skyrocketed in the past hour and over three quarters of the town are now in the dark. 

8,550 homes, or 76 percent of town, are withouth power as of 7:45 p.m., according to CL&P. 

CL&P Spokesman Mitch Gross said that, despite the high winds, there are crews out working on emergency restoration efforts right now.

“We’re at work handling as many issues as we can, while it’s still safe,” Gross said.

6:30 p.m. Monday 10/29

Power outages jumped substantially in Newtown in the past hour and over a quarter of the town will head into Monday night in the dark. 

2,970 households, or 27 percent of town, are without power as of 6:30 p.m., according to CL&P. 

Statewide over 271,000 homes, 21 percent of CL&P customers, are without power. 

5:40 p.m. Monday, 10/29

Storm Updates from Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra:

• 1007 CL&P outages reported at 5:20;
• Wind gusts continue at 30 – 50 mph but are expected to ease overnight;
• CL&P crew on site for E911 calls – working now to open RT 302; then Key Rock/Hattertown;
• NHS shelter open and occupied;
• Emergency Operations Center open and staffed around the clock. Call 203-270-4222 for information.

Other important information:

1) Voter registration deadline has been extended through Thursday, Nov. 1;

2) We are expecting the state to ease the Nov. 1 deadline for filing personal property declaration. We will post the update as soon as we know.     

4:40 p.m. Monday, 10/29

Power outages continue to rise across the state and town as wind gusts grow stronger. CL&P is reporting that 988 Newtown customers are without power—that's 9% of the 10,906 customers served by the utility in town.

Statewide, there are 110,779 CL&P customers without power.

3:52 p.m. Monday, 10/29

Nearly 700 homes in Newtown are without power, according to CL&P's outage map.

3:15 p.m. Monday 10/29

Nearly 500 homes are without power in Newtown as outages begin to rise across the town and state. 

491 homes, or 4 percent of the town, are without power as of 3:15 p.m., according to CL&P. 

Statewide 49,000 are without power. 

1:30 p.m. Monday, 10/29

First Selectman Pat Llodra issued a CODE RED message to Newtown residents Monday afternoon. The CODE RED message reads as follows:

"The town’s emergency team has been meeting over the past few days and this morning we officially activated our Emergency Operations Center. All town departments, agencies, and emergency services are fully ready to respond to any and all emergencies. We are opening the shelter at NHS today at 2:00 P.M.

The Town shelter has some capacity to accommodate pets but we ask that owners provide crates, cages, or carriers for those pets. Medically fragile persons can be sheltered at the Danbury Regional Shelter and Masonicare has again opened its doors to shelter those who need some support. Please call our emergency number at 203- 270-4222 if you have medical complications, need to be sheltered but are not able to get yourself to the right facility.

The Governor has made a special plea for everyone to remain off the highways. His statement is that limited access roads, such as route 84, will be closed to vehicular traffic except for public safety personnel. We, too, issue that same plea – please remain off the roads as much as possible at least until the winds subside. Trees, limbs and other potentially flying objects pose a significant safety hazard.

CL&P is reporting to have added 500 line and tree crews to their regular work force, with another 500 crews on the way. These thousands of workers will be staged at the state’s13 work centers. Fairfield Hills will again act as a distribution and service point for many of the crews allocated to this general region. Please be aware that CL&P cannot begin power work until the winds subside and, for us, that is likely to be into late Tuesday or Wednesday.

We remind everyone to call in a power outage to CL&P at 800-286-2000.Contact information to report service disruption for AT&T and Charter will be posted on the town website, the BEE, Patch.

I will update you again tomorrow, or sooner if circumstances warrant. In the meantime, be safe and let us know if you have needs we can meet. Remember your neighbors and friends and reach out to help those in need."

1:15 p.m. Monday, 10/29

Hurricane Sandy has yet to fully arrive in the Newtwn area, but some homes are already without power on Monday afternoon.

According to CL&P, 140 households, or 1 percent of town, are without power as of 1:15 p.m.

Power outages are expected to rise substantially over the next 24 hours, with the brunt of the storm coming Monday late afternoon to Tuesday morning. Officials have also warned that outages may be prolonged because of the duration of the storm and the amount of outages expected.

11:11 a.m. Monday, 10/29

The Newtown Municipal Center is closing at noon today.

10:15 a.m. Monday, 10/29

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has ordered the closure of all state highways to non-emergency vehicles, effective 1 p.m. today.

9 a.m. Monday, 10/29

All Parks and Recreation Programs are canceled.  All parks and all fields are closed.  All schools are closed, including the gyms. The High School pool is closed.  Newtown Youth Academy is closing at noon. The Senior Walking Program is canceled.

6 a.m. Monday, 10/29

As Hurricane Sandy continues its collision course for the Northeast, the town of Newtown is preparing for the potentially historic storm.

It was announced ahead of the storm that Newtown schools will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

"It is impossible to fully predict the impact of storm Sandy on Newtown," said Pat Llodra, Newtown First Selectman. "We do know that whether the landfall is south of New England or further north, we will experience significant rain and wind over a period of a few days, beginning on Monday and extending through Wednesday. Reports over the last few days have been consistent in stating that we will experience the heaviest rain and strongest wind gusts on Tuesday. Some reports suggest that Wednesday evening could be showery and breezy."

The Newtown Emergency Response team has met and all departments are fully equipped with materials and supplies. All emergency services are also prepared and ready for the storm, according to a release by the town.

Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar have been drained to their lowest allowable operating level this weekend. FirstLight Power Resource, the company that owns the Stevenson Dam, said the company will make calls to notify local elected officials and emergency operations personnel as water levels rise in those bodies of water.

Editor's Note: Check back with Newtown Patch frequently as this article will be continually updated throughout the duration of the storm with Newtown specific news and information, including power outages, shelter openings, school closures and much more.

For live updates during the storm remember to download our App for your smartphone or tablet, "like" Newtown Patch  on Facebook and follow us on Twitter .