A squirrel caused a widespread power outage in Brewer Friday morning that affected several traffic lights, officials said.
By 9:11 a.m., power had been returned to about 3,000 Emera Maine power customers that were in the dark around the time drivers were headed into work, according to an Emera spokeswoman. A squirrel damaged a protective device in a Brewer power station, which cut power to customers in Brewer and a few in Holden.
[This map shows the times that animals caused power outages in Maine]
As of 8:45 a.m., some intersections were still operating without working traffic lights, including the intersection between State Street and North Main Street, or Route 178, according to Brewer police Chief Jason Moffitt and passing drivers. The total number of intersections that were out was not immediately clear.
Crews have discovered the source of the problem affecting service in Brewer (damage caused by a squirrel) and all customers should have power restored very shortly.
— Emera Maine (@emerame) July 27, 2018
Moffitt reminded drivers that when a traffic light goes out, intersections immediately become a four way stop. “Be patient. Be courteous,” he said.
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