Winter Storm Riley’s severe winds and heavy rain caused widespread damage resulting in more than 180,000 power outages for Delmarva Power customers in Delaware and Maryland.
Delmarva Power reported that its crews are working to restore service for customers as safely and efficiently as possible. As of 4 p.m. Monday, about 700 customers remained without power across the region.
Based on the current damage, Delmarva Power expects to have all customers, including those in the most heavily damaged areas, restored by Monday night.
Northern portions of Delmarva Power’s service area, including New Castle County in Delaware and Harford and Cecil counties in Maryland, experienced the most extensive damage from the storm.
The storm hit Cecil County hard with I-95 and Route 40 bridges over the Susquehanna River closed for a time when tractor-trailers overturned, due to the high winds. Meteorologists said the storm underwent “bombogenesis” as a rapidly intensifying low pressure system.
The winds also led to freight railroad cars plunging into the river. Amtrak service was also delayed and many flights were canceled.
The storm closed some secondary roads in tree-lined areas in northern Delaware and Cecil County, MD.
Outages were fewer in southern Delaware, with Delaware Electric Cooperative, Greenwood, reporting about four dozen homes without power.
To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-800-898-8042 or report and track through our mobile app or our website at www.delmarva.com.
