Now that the BOS Center and both of Springfield’s YMCA’s are shelters, it’s clear the demand is there.

In what has become a daily update, CWLP chief utility engineer Doug Brown said Wednesday afternoon, “Today we are at 5,200 customers without power. with about 400 outage locations to repair. This is down from the start of the storm (last Thursday) with a high of 40,000 customers without power with about 500 outage locations.

“We are still on target for 3,500 remaining on outage by the end of Friday and 1,000 to still be on outage by the end of Sunday.”

Brown urged the public not to threaten or harass crews; otherwise, they may just leave. Reminded that every rule has a story behind it, Brown chose not to elaborate.

Mayor Buscher and fire chief Ed Canny said there is a possibility of severe weather Wednesday evening — with the city’s infrastructure now compromised.

The American Red Cross is operating the shelter in the basement of the BOS Center.