Belco had restored electricity to 7,698 customers by 8pm, while some 19,733 remain out of power.

“Assessments have indicated a large number of poles down and wires,” said a belco spokeswoman.

“Crews have been limited in what they can do in the immediate aftermath of the storm as in many instances wind gusts were still to high to work safely from a bucket truck and assessments need to be completed to ensure crews’ safety.

“Restoration tomorrow will proceed with main lines as a priority, as they bring restoration to the largest number of customers quickly and then on to major branch lines.

“Belco will have a much better assessment of restoration timing once damage is fully assessed. We have crews and equipment in the East End so restoration efforts there have begun despite the extended closure of the Causeway.

“Safety is the most important consideration at the moment for the public and our crews. Any wires down should be considered live and avoided and reported. Everyone at Belco appreciates all the kind comments and support the community has expressed and looks forward to getting everyone back to normal.”

Major outages were being monitored by the utility’s grid operations.

As customers lose power, outages are logged at Belco’s operations centre.

Belco offices will be closed tomorrow for cash payments and walk-ins. They will honour discounts for discount dates of Wednesday through Friday October 12-14.