After a long weekend in the dark, University Heights and surrounding areas can expect restoration of the area this week as power is turned back on and roads are cleared.
According to Buffalo Police E-District Lieutenant John King, power was restored to the South Campus area early Sunday morning, although some in the vicinity are still without electricity and heat.
The aftermath has left some students scavenging for food and warmth.
"I still don't have power," said Mary Anne Herzog, an occupational therapy grad student. "Friday I just raided my cabinets, and I went to Niagara Falls yesterday because I heard they were open. I haven't eaten today."
King said he was impressed with the cooperation of police, maintenance workers and community members as the University Heights area is restored to normalcy.
"I'm impressed with the work. For the degree of the catastrophe, and the fact that it's only been 3 days, it's impressive that they have done as much as they have," he said.
While progress has been made on major roads, King said there is still much cleaning up to be done.
"The main roads and secondary roads are cleared," King said. "There are a few side streets you can't even go down though. I would say it will be 3 to 5 days before everything is 'back to normal'."
Christopher Clark, a senior business marketing major, described Saturday's driving conditions as "nearly impossible" to navigate.
"A lot of trees are down and cars have been getting stuck," he said. "I've seen a big improvement on main roads, but no improvement on side roads.
With some alarm systems down over the weekend due to power outages, looting has also become a concern for businesses in the area.
"There's been no looting per-se, but there was an instance in the Univ. Heights area," he said.
According to The Buffalo News, O'Connell Lucas Chelf had $10,000 worth of polo shirts stolen. Two other stores were robbed during the blackout.
Students seeking refuge from the cold found comfort in the Student Union during the weekend.
"I don't want to complain because I know other places have it much worse," Herzog said. "At least I can come here and plug in my computer and stay warm."
For those still without power, King said the community center was available for people to get a hot cup of coffee and warm up.
"Hundreds of people have taken advantage of it," he said. "Mostly neighborhood people who are within walking distance have been utilizing the community center."
Cots are also available at the center, which is located at the police station at 2777 Bailey Ave.
