Portland School Superintendent Sally Doyen announced that the start of the school year has been delayed until Sept. 6, the Tuesday after Labor Day because of the impact Hurricane Irene has had on the town.
There was widespread concern being raised because about half
the homes in Portland were still in the dark with a power outage going into a third day.
Concern about difficulties families faced was also expressed Monday night by First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield who said power was still out for about half the homes in Portland. She said some homes near High Street that had been restored had lost them again.
In addition many roads were still blocked by fallen trees and power lines making travel hazardous.
Bransfield said CL&P crews had made good progress "de-energizing" the wires that were in the roads but not finished. She said those wires need to be off to let power and town crews clear the down trees leaves and branches.
