Photo / Alexis Wells
The storm of March 23 left many Maine homes without power. Shown here is a power line down in Saco.
April 3, 2024
Maine power companies are gearing up for another winter-like storm
Courtesy / Central Maine Power
Central Maine Power said it is prepping for this week's storm, which is set to hit Maine with snow, strong winds and rain.
Although the calendar may say April, Maine is not seeing spring-like weather. Another winter-like storm is expected to bring the state significant amounts of heavy, wet snow and high winds starting tonight and continuing through Thursday.
Maine power companies are gearing up for what could be another mess of downed trees, damaged lines and widespread electricity outages. Last weekend's icing events left over 200,000 Maine residents at times without power.
Central Maine Power said in a press release that the company has begun monitoring the storm, which is expected to affect the CMP service area from Wednesday night into Friday.
“We are tracking this storm closely and making preparations across our service area. As the forecast continues to evolve over the next twenty-four hours, we will continue to refine our planning,” said Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. “Preparations today included helicopter inspections of our entire transmission system, which is the backbone of our electric grid.”
Over the course of the week, the power company has secured additional line crews, inspected hundreds of miles of transmission lines by helicopter, and had storm teams continue to track the forecast by the hour.
Versant Power storm manager Warren Morgan said, "We have additional internal and external line and tree crews ready to respond to storm damage and restoration. “With the potential of heavy, wet snow weighing down trees and branches paired with predicted wind speeds, we ask that customers prepare accordingly."
Storm prep
In advance of the storm, the power companies have advised customers:
- Stay away from downed lines. No line is safe to touch.
- Turn off or unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics.
- Never use ranges or outdoor stoves to heat your home.
- If you need shelter or food, contact "211" for available resources.
- Keep sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs and stereos plugged into a surge protector or unplugged. They could be damaged if a power surge occurs when electricity is restored.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Ensure you have fresh water and easy-to-make, nonperishable food items.
- Charge your cellphone and other electronic devices.
- Preparing flashlights and a battery-operated radio in case you must shelter in place until it is safe to travel.
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