Outage may last overnight in some areas - UPDATED 5 P.M. December 8, 2009

Power is slowly being restored to areas affected by a significant power outage overnight.

Work must be deliberate because with many appliances and heating systems on, bringing up the system too quickly could cause it to crash.

Guggenheim urges residents to turn off water heaters at the breaker and unplug appliances to enable smooth restoration of power.

Guggenheim expects the restoration to hold up overnight, even with the return of sub-zero temperatures.

"Once it's hot and holding we'll be OK," he said.

Some areas farther west of Sisters - Black Butte Ranch, Suttle Lake, Camp Sherman - may still be affected overnight as crews work to nurse the system back to life.

Officials urge residents who don't have power and who are not prepared to spend the night without it to shelter at Sisters Elementary School or with a friend.

"Do not wait this thing out," Guggenheim said. "If you don't have power late this afternoon, you should start planning at least where you're going to spend the night."

Tate Metcalf has announced that he is opening Sisters Athletic Club to those who need shelter. He requests that people call in advance at 549-6878.

If you choose to leave your residence and go to a friend or relative's house instead of the shelter, authorities ask that you check in with the shelter and leave some information on where you will be so out-of-town callers/relatives can get some updated information as to where you are.

Search and Rescue can supply transportation for ambulatory residents who are having transportation problems, such as vehicles that won't start, etc. For non-ambulatory residents (those with medical issues), a local fire department can supply transportation.

For those residents who choose to remain at their homes, CEC requests the following:

• Unplug any major appliances in your residences at the wall socket.

• Turn the thermostat down, if possible.

• Turn your porch light on, so when the power is re-established, CEC will know your area has been re-energized

• If you have a battery-powered radio, tune to a local radio station (102.9 FM, 1100 or 940 AM, etc.) for the latest information.

• DO NOT call 911 to request updated information An information line at 550-4888 was expected to be up late Tuesday morning, with either a live person or recorded information available.