Connecticut Light and Power reported more than 700,000 outages in the state's northern section this afternoon. The Western Massachusetts Electric Company said  more than 110,000 lacked power. And a majority of Unitil customers in Hampden and Hampshire counties are waiting for power restoration.

Carol Stowe, 79 was one of dozens seeking protection from the elements today at a school shelter in springfield.  

"A big tree fell on thge ramp in front of my house. Nobody could get in or out. When they took me out of my house they had to take me through my neighbor's yard (laughs)."

In Wilbraham, which is still recovering from the June first tornados, officials warned residents mosat would not receive power for several days. And the Board of Selectmen strongly discouraged trick or treating tonight – citing very hazardous conditions for kids — as did officials in numerous communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick joined emergency officials in Framingham this morning to discuss  the tasks ahead.

"These are very localized issues. Not so many big transmission lines down as there are wires to particular homes and businesses. It is going to be a house-by-house, blovk-by-block response.

Patrick confirmed three deaths related to the storm — a springfield man who was electrocuted near a downed power line, a woman who died in a fire in Lunenberg, and a Hatfield woman who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, apparently when a generator was not properly vented.

Gas is at high demand. Officials are asking residents to only fill tanks when they are low.