Updated: Waking Up To Hurricane Irene

Good Morning Irene!

There are a lot of trees down and a lot of people in town without power.

At around 9:30 this morning CL&P was reporting 5,512 customers without power, or about 83 percent of the town.

Ledyard Police Lt. Michael Finkelstein said there are now about 48 sets of trees and wires down. He said Route 214 is closed from Whalehead Road to Route 12.

Earlier today he reported a tree came down on a house at 23 West Drive, but there were no injuries. Finkelstein had no other reports of damage to homes so far.

Finkelstein said no one should be out using the roads this morning unless it is absolutely necessary. "There are just too many hazards and almost no visibility," he said.

Despite all the warnings, however, he said there still have been reports of people out driving around on the roads. "It's crazy," he said.

The full force of Irene is expected to slam into western Connecticut just before just noon today. Finkelstein said the after portion of the storm is causing worry. "It looks like we could have heavy winds into the late evening hours," he said.

The good news, he said, it that the storm so far has brought less than anticipated rain. But high winds remain a concern. 

Finkelstein said residents may use the Police Department general number – 860 464-6400 – to report non-emergencies or to get information.

For emergencies, CALL 911.

Please add updates, comments and and storm photos to this article. We will tell you more as soon as we know it.