DENTON, MD - The Town of Denton is experiencing multiple disruptions as ongoing power outages plague the Caroline County community Thursday during bitter cold conditions.
Just after 9:20 a.m. on January 23, the Denton Police Department announced the power outages were affecting traffic signals and asked neighbors to use caution while driving in the town. Officials were working to resolve the issues as quickly as possible, police said.
The nearby Greensboro Elementary School announced shortly after they were experiencing a power outage and their generator was providing limited heat.
“Given that the powe outage is widespread and many of our families’ homes are impacted, we will be keeping the school open and combining classes so everyone is on the first floor, safe and warm,” school officials said in a social media post.
In response to the outages, the Caroline County Government opened a warming station at the General James Fretterd Community Center on 4th Street. Those without power or anyone who needs a safe, warm place to stay are encouraged to visit.
Anyone with a weather-related emergency or who needs assistance is asked to call the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office at 410-479-2515.
Hospital system Shore Regional Health announced they were closing the University of Maryland Shore Medical Pavilion in Denton would be closed for the remainder of January 23. The closing applied to all offices and services, Shore Regional said.
According to Delmarva Power’s outage map, over 1,000 customers are currently affected in the Denton area as of 10:45 a.m.
Denton officials say a surge of energy demand during the frigid temperatures Thursday morning was most likely the initial cause of the outage. Around 8 a.m., a power company crane hit power lines at a Denton substation, sparking a fire and further exacerbating the power issues, according to authorities.
One person was trapped in a car wash during the outage, according to police.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
