Sunday update: LIPA reports major outages

"Irene is now a tropical storm and is passing through our area. Trees and power lines have been brought down and tens of thousands of customers have lost power. LIPA is prepared with hundreds of workers that we amassed across Long Island before the storm reached us. They will be fully mobilized and will work around the clock until every customer has power restored. LIPA encourages you to report power outages by calling 1-800-490-0075, but please be aware that due to the damage to telephone lines and high call volume, Verizon is experiencing sporadic problems. If you hear a busy signal when calling LIPA please try your call again or visit our Storm Center here. If you see any downed wire, stay away from it and call LIPA or the police immediately."