Residents go hunting for operating gas stations

Pomfret, Conn. (WTNH) - Eastford's only gas station is closed due to the lack of power, so residents are forced to go to Pomfret, the next closest gas station.

The Xtramart in Pomfret is expecting to be busy Tuesday because they are not only giving away a free cup of coffee, but they are also  the closest gas station to places like Eastford whose stations are without power.

Christine Russell, who works at the Pomfret Xtramart, said, "We had some people from Enfield and some Manchester people today."

When it comes to gas, Bowen's Garage is usually the only game in town. But with 96% of Eastford without power , this gas tank, which was running on a generator, was pumping gas non-stop.

Marshall Cataldi, at Bowen's Garage, said, "Yes we were up until about an hour or two ago and our tank ran dry."

Bowen's is not the only station hanging up the no gas sign now.

Carey Penney, a Vernon resident, said, "I did check at one of the stations at 74 and 44 and that was I think they were out of gas."

Penney had to do a little driving around to find a place to fill up.

Lee Pask, an Eastford resident, said, "It's' really hard trying to look after a one year old when you've got no power."

"And then traveling twenty minutes to get gas?"

"Yeah it costs you money just to get there to get gas to get back to fill it up."

Many other folks may have to go through this routine for several days.