4 pm UPDATE: Shelter Available; Power Still Out

Thousands of Potter County households are heading into a second dark night as three electric companies work to restore power. West Penn Power is still working in the Coudersport and Roulette areas. The company must first restore service to central substations prior to deploying crews to re-establish localized/neighborhood service. The latter process will take a considerable amount of time, as damage to lines and related equipment is severe. A company spokesman said some sections of Coudersport Borough could be without power until late Saturday night or longer.

Meanwhile, Penelec expects to have service restored in the Galeton area by Friday evening, and Tri-County REC continues working to restore its larger grid areas as quickly as possible.

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has implemented its emergency procedure plan. Individuals in need of emergency care  or attention due to extraordinary medical conditions (oxygen, c-pap, nebulizers, etc.) are advised to go to Cole’s Emergency Department for referral to the Short Procedure Unit.

Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department has announced that its modular units along Rt. 6 west in Coudersport are open as comfort stations.

Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Department in Ulysses has water available to those in need.