70 per cent of JPS customers out of power

The Jamaica Public Service is reporting that about seventy percent of its customer is now currently without electricity as Hurricane Sandy passes across the island.

The severe weather conditions, which include strong winds and heavy rainfall, have downed poles and power lines particularly in the parishes of Portland, St Mary, St Ann, St Thomas, St, James, Westmoreland and Hanover.

JPS says its technical teams remain on standby to respond to emergency reports such as fire calls as long as the weather conditions permit.

However, the company says if conditions worsen, it may not be able to continue deploying its teams.

The JPS says once the hurricane passes and it is safe to do so, every effort will be made to restore power quickly and safely.

In the meantime the company urges everyone to stay away from downed power lines and poles and to take every precaution to protect life and property.

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