CONCORD – Governor John Lynch this morning met with state emergency management and agency officials as part of the ongoing storm response and recovery efforts.

“We continue to communicate with the utilities to stress the importance of restoring power as quickly as possible. I toured several shelters yesterday and I understand the frustration people are expressing regarding the loss of power,” Governor Lynch said. “Many of our people are entering the third day without power and heat, and I urge those who continue to be without power to take the necessary precautions and to seek a warm place to stay if you need it.”

Utilities report that about 150,000 people are still without power, and the utilities continue to state it will likely be several more days before restoration is complete.

About 260 people stayed in shelters across the state last night, which was an increase over the 240 that stayed in shelters the previous evening.

Governor Lynch will again tour shelters in Manchester, Londonderry and Nashua, starting at 2 p.m. today.

As of this morning, all state roads are open, while a number of local roads remain closed.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation and Department of Resources and Economic Development have dispatched saw crews and wood chippers to some communities to assist with debris removal.

Yesterday, Governor Lynch requested that President Obama declare an emergency for all 10 counties in New Hampshire as a result of the storm.

If the request is granted, the declaration would make communities in New Hampshire eligible for federal disaster aid to help expedite clean up and recovery efforts, including aid in debris removal.