WCBC

The warming center located at the Midland Volunteer Fire Department is being converted to a warming shelter with the anticipation that power will not be fully restored along the George’s Creek corridor in western Allegany County, according to emergency service officials. 

 

“FirstEnergy has updated us that at nightfall they expect to have  power restored to 2,000 residents, leaving 1,000 residents still without power,” Allegany County Department of Emergency Services Deputy Director Roger Bennett said. “We have been making preparations with the assistance from the Midland Fire Department and our emergency management division to convert the facility to a shelter.”

 

Bennett said that staff moved cots to the department for residents without power to sleep on tonight. 

 

FirstEnergy first reported at 4 a.m. that 10,000 residents were without power. Wednesday morning, power officials updated the number to approximately 3,600 residents. 

 

“Throughout the day we have had 54 residents take advantage of the warming center here in Midland,” Bennett said. 

 

FirstEnergy is expecting to have power restored to 90% of the 1,000 residents by noon on Thursday. 

 

“Power officials are working on main lines first,” Bennet said. “Estimated complete restoration of power could be Friday for some.” 

 

The warming shelter is located at 14823 Broadway Street in Midland.