High winds rattle windows, knock out power

(WTNH) -- Repair crews are out assessing damage and repairing power lines after a wicked wind storm knocked down trees and knocked out power to tens of thousands.

As of 10:15 a.m. Connecticut Light & Power reported more than 61,000 outages scattered all over the state. The utility reported more than 72,000 outages earlier in the morning.

United Illuminating reported more than 12,500 outages.

UI said via Twitter that "Wind conditions are now safe for workers" to begin repairs.

In an earlier interview on Good Morning Connecticut, Frank Poirot of CL&P said repair crews were staging and ready to get to work "as soon as it's safe to do so." For their safety, Poirot said crews don't go up in the bucket trucks if the wind is over 30-35 mph.

A wind gust at Tweed-New Haven Airport reached 61 mph. Other unofficial wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service in New York :

• Westbrook: 78 mph (measured on the beach)
• Madison: 73 mph
• East Haven: 68 mph (measured on the beach)
• Old Saybrook: 65 mph
• Middletown: 64 mph
• Norwalk: 64 mph
• Bridgeport: 61 mph
• Danbury Airport: 53 mph

Numerous branches and trees were reported down all over the state. On I-95, the s outbound Exit 36 off ramp was closed for a couple of hours after a traffic signal came down.

The wind also affects some train commuters. Metro-North announced the New Haven line was experiencing delays of 30 minutes. Also, bus service will be provided on the New Canaan Branch because of power issues near Talmadge Hill.

Drivers were advised to be extra cautious on the roads; the rain and high winds will make driving treacherous.