A state-by-state look at the East Coast superstorm

The massive storm that started out as Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast and morphed into a huge and problematic system, killing at least 55 people in the United States. Power outages now stand at more than 6.5 million homes and businesses, down from a peak of 8.5 million. Here’s a snapshot of what is happening, state by state.

CONNECTICUT

Widespread damage to homes on Long Island Sound. Deaths: 3. Power outages: 475,000, down from a peak of more than 620,000.

DELAWARE

Some southern coastal areas remain underwater, but officials say the damage is far less than anticipated. Power outages: 7,400, down from more than 45,000.

ILLINOIS

High waves and flooding are possible on the Lake Michigan shore on Wednesday in Chicago.

KENTUCKY

As much as a foot of snow fell in higher elevations of Appalachian Kentucky.

MAINE

Port of Portland reopened, but ocean conditions remained dangerous with high winds. Power outages: More than 16,000, down from more than 90,000.

MARYLAND

Eastern Maryland cleaned up from storm surge, while western Maryland dealt with as much as 29 inches of snow. Dueling disasters are straining emergency resources. Deaths: 2. Power outages: About 299,100, down from 290,000.

MASSACHUSETTS

Continued cleanup from fallen trees and damage to homes and businesses, but relief that storm wasn’t worse. Many schools remained closed. Power outages: 106,000, down from 400,000.

MICHIGAN

Cargo shipping on the Great Lakes was at a standstill because of waves of up to 20 feet. Power outages: 40,600, down from more than 150,000.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

A construction worker checking on a job site in Lincoln was killed in a landslide. Deaths: 1. Power outages: 81,000, down from 210,000.

NEW JERSEY

Fires that destroyed several homes in a shore town rekindled, fueled by natural gas. National Guard arrived to evacuate residents of Hoboken and distribute supplies. Storm renewed debate about whether to rebuild shoreline sand dunes. Deaths: 6. Power outages: 2.1 million, down from 2.7 million.

NEW YORK

Traffic choked city streets as residents tried to return to work in a New York City whose subway system remained crippled. Security concerns abound at night in areas without power but the city is promising vigilance. Utilities say it could be days before power is fully restored there and on Long Island. Deaths: 29, including 22 in New York City. Power outages: 2.04 million, down from 2.2 million.

NORTH CAROLINA

The search continued off the coast for the captain of a tall ship that sank as Sandy headed north. Parts of western North Carolina saw continued snow. Deaths: 2. Power outages: Fewer than 400, down from 126,000.

OHIO

High winds uprooted trees in northern Ohio. Schools closed and major commuter arteries along Lake Erie flooded. Deaths: 2. Power outages: 147,000, down from more than 250,000.

PENNSYLVANIA

The core of Sandy made its way north through western Pennsylvania into western New York, causing wind and flooding that closed roads. Deaths: 7. Power outages: 850,000, down from 1.2 million.

RHODE ISLAND

Residents may not be able to return to their homes for another day in some coastal communities. Power outages: About 64,000, down from more than 115,000.

TENNESSEE

A route across the Smoky Mountains closed as heavy, wet snow accumulated to as much as 2 feet.

VERMONT

Winds knocked down trees and power lines, and schools were closed, but damage was not as severe as feared in a state still recovering from Tropical Storm Irene. Power outages: 3,550, down from more than 10,000.

VIRGINIA

Utilities brought in crews to help restore power after high winds and snow. Deaths: 2. Power outages: about 40,000, down from more than 180,000.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Federal and local governments asked people to return to work Wednesday, and transit systems planned to resume full service. Power outages: About 467, down from 25,000.

WEST VIRGINIA

Some areas were buried under more than a foot of snow. Deaths: 1. Power outages: 235,566, down from about 268,000.

WISCONSIN

Dangerously high waves and flooding were expected along Lake Michigan.