PORTLAND (AP) — A powerful fall storm that lashed Maine with strong gusts and heavy snow knocked out power to more than 125,000 homes and businesses. Officials said the restoration effort would take several days.

Gov. Paul LePage issued an emergency proclamation allowing utility crews to stay on the road for longer hours Sunday to help repair lines and restore power.

“Our first concern is to get power back on for Mainers. Please stay safe and keep off the roads to allow utility crews to do their work,” the governor said.

Nearly 74,000 Central Maine Power Co. customers were without power Monday morning, while nearly 57,000 Emera Maine customers had no electricity. Hancock, Penobscot, Knox and Waldo counties were the hardest hit.

CMP spokesman John Carroll said the storm was so severe that utility crews were having trouble getting around to assess damage and to make downed lines safe. Restoration efforts were getting underway in earnest on Monday, he said.

The storm packed gusts of 50 mph across much of Maine.

According to unofficial observations reported to the National Weather Service, Cary in eastern Maine got the most snow, 21 inches. Orrington got 17, Hampden recorded 15.5 inches and Bangor got more than a foot.

Dozens of cars slid off roads, keeping police busy.