9 p.m. Update: Storm Intensifying, Durham Officials Monitoring Conditions, Outages

Connecticut Light and Power says more than 22,000 customers statewide, including two in Durham, are without power as of 9 p.m. Friday, as a powerful winter storm intensifies.

Earlier Friday, the storm briefly knocked out power to about two dozen customers on Mauro Drive in Durham. The outages were quickly restored, according to Durham Emergency Management Director Francis Willett.

About 8" of snow has already fallen in Durham and conditions are expected to worsen overnight.

"We are expecting along with the heavy overnight snow to have very strong winds which may bring down trees and power lines resulting in a moderate number of power outages," Willett said.

Roads are closed to all non-emergency vehicles and public works crews are expected to remain busy overnight clearing snow. A blizzard warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Saturday.

Willett said officials will evaluate any additional outages overnight and decide Saturday whether to open warming shelters or an overnight shelter in the town.

For emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. To report power outages, call CL&P at 800-286-2000.

All non-emergency health, safety and welfare issues should be directed to Durham's Storm Line at 860 343-6735.

Residents are asked to check on elderly and disabled friends, neighbors and family during and after the storm.

Below are websites that you can refer to that will assist you in preparing for this winter storm:

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/beforestorm/supplylists.asp
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather