Versant Power and CMP expect this to be a multi-day restoration effort. The number of outages and the amount of damage to roads and powerlines will make this challenging.
The utility companies remind you:
· Never touch a downed power line or a tree in contact with a downed line.
· Do not attempt to remove any downed limbs or trees that are touching power lines.
· Motorists are urged to slow down or move over and change lanes, when possible, if approaching utility crews working on roadways.
Crews from Maine DOT are not able to respond to damage on certain roads if the utility lines are not repaired and secure.
The National Weather Service reports:
Most rivers continue to recede today with dry weather expected. However, flood warnings remain in effect as it will take time for the runoff to end. Otherwise, dry weather is expected for the rest of the week. Much lighter winds today into Wednesday (with gusts of 15 to 20 MPH). But north winds are expected to increase Wednesday night and peak Thursday with gusts of 25 to 35 MPH expected, with the strongest in central ME. Highs will be in the 40s today but turning colder Wed-Fri. Widespread lows in the teens are expected Thursday night with some wind. A warm-up is expected over the weekend. Folks who use generators or alternate heating sources are reminded to ensure they are used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines at all times.
Their website has a list of Warming and Charging Centers that are open. These facilities are opened at the local level, they are not state operated. Not all Centers offer the same amenities; some are strictly to get warm and charge your phone, others have showers or food – it depends on what’s available.
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN
Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of flowing water can sweep you off your feet. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.
