Thousands still without power in Maine after tough storm

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Thousands of people remain without power in Maine in the aftermath of a strong autumn storm.

Utilities Central Maine Power and Emera Maine reported on Saturday morning that about 30,000 customers in the state still lacked power in the wake of the Thursday Nor'easter. The number was down from a high of more than 200,000. The remaining outages were clustered largely along the state's southern coast.

Crews are working to restore power, but the extended outages have posed a hardship for many residents and businesses. Some businesses have complained of lost inventory.

Officials in Portland said the city was opening two warming shelters for residents who need to warm up, charge electronics or sleep overnight. Close to 10,000 customers in Maine's largest city still lacked power on Saturday morning.