Over 10,000 impacted by Portland power outages

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- More than 10,000 people in the Portland area are without power Tuesday night as a bomb cyclone continues to impact the region.

As of 6:30 p.m., Portland General Electric is reporting that a total of 8,540 customers are without power.

Additionally, Pacific Power says 2,322 are affected by the outages.

"Our meteorologists have been working round the clock, keeping an eye on all the weather that's coming our way," said PGE spokesperson John Farmer. "We have daily operations meetings where they let everyone know what's going on. And that enables the planning to happen to be able to prepare and respond to whatever Mother Nature throws at us."

"We're monitoring rainfall and the evolving forecasts. We're ready to respond to closed storm drains as needed. Rain so far has been a half inch, which is well within what we can handle in 24 hours. The public should clear storm drains and monitor them during and after the rains this week," added Dylan Rivera with the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Neighbors in Southeast Portland affected by the power outage told KOIN 6 News they were shocked to find a power pole catch fire earlier in the day.

One neighbor, Brett, told KOIN 6 he was jostled out of sleep by the sound of "an explosion."

"I was laying down and taking a nap, and and, the house just rocked" he said.

Neighbors saw flames sparking on the top of the power pole at the intersection of Southeast 60th Avenue and Southeast Flavel Street.

"I guess the cops had already been out here for a bit and, looked and there was lights and saw the power out down the street and everybody being diverted around," Brett said. "We'll get through it. Not too much of a problem."

James and Amy Walters, a young couple who was also affected by the power outage, were prepared with a safety kit that included a flashlight, first aid and other essential items. They said keeping the little ones occupied is also a top priority during the power outage.

There is no current timetable for when power will be restored.

Officials said in addition to flashlights, extra batteries, and a first aid kid, it's also wise to have extra food, water and medicine in the house in case of a power outage.

Check PGE's website and Pacific Power's website for the latest power outage information.