World News – USA – A strong storm with strong gusts of wind and heavy rains is moving to Maine

Almost 16. 000 CMP customers were without power and the National Weather Service issued a strong wind warning on Monday evening that will last until Tuesday morning.

A strong storm system entered Maine on Monday evening and was noticeable in heavy rain and strong gusts of wind that could reach speeds of up to 100 km / h in some places.

The Gray Office of the National Weather Service issued a strong wind warning for South Maine at 6 p.m.. m. this remains in force until 7 a. m. Tuesday.

In its warning, the National Weather Service said the storm will create « noxious winds » that have the potential to fell trees and power lines. Widespread power outages and difficult travel conditions were also predicted.

It wasn’t long before the storm hit. From 7 p. m. Almost 16. Central Maine Power Company’s 000 customers had lost power, with York and Cumberland counties hardest hit. Versant Power, which serves North and Downeast Maine, reported more than 2. 500 failures.

A woman pulls her hood up on Monday as she walks through rain-soaked Dock Square in Kennebunkport. Heavy rain and wind are expected to cause local flooding and power outages overnight. Gregory Rec / Staff Photographer

“People should avoid being outside in wooded areas and near trees and branches. If possible, stay on the lower levels of your home and avoid windows during the storm. Be careful if you have to drive, ”said the National Weather Service.

Coastal flooding was another problem that the weather service will be monitoring closely from 10 p.m. onwards. m. up to 2 a. m. Tuesday. The combination of 10 to 15 feet of high seas and strong southeast winds could lead to coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Rainfall can vary widely depending on where you live. Most of the coastal regions reach between 2 and 3 inches Monday night through Tuesday. Some areas can receive up to 4 inches of rain. Higher rates of precipitation may occur as a thunderstorm develops that may occur.

CMP issued a statement Monday that it is ready to do around Jan.. Deploy 000 employees and contractors to assist in the recovery effort for electrical services. It has also activated 200 tree workers and 250 auxiliary staff.

“We have prepositioned crews in the entire service area so that we can react to failures this evening and tomorrow morning. Based on current projections, we expect the coast to be more affected and we have advised all customers to exercise caution if they have to be outside tonight, ”said Kerri Therriault, head of electrical operations at CMP, in a statement. “We believe most failures are caused by branches blowing and falling on wires and poles, as well as trees outside the company’s trim zone being uprooted in the wind. ”

Restoration teams must proceed with caution during storms. If it’s too windy, they can’t safely get into a bucket for pipe repairs.

Maine, power failure, Central Maine Power Company