MAINE, USA — Maine power companies Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant Power as well as state officials are preparing for potential power outages ahead of the coming snowstorm. NEWS CENTER Maine meteorologists project snow totals could reach double digits in parts of the state. Snow is expected to start late Monday afternoon and last through Tuesday.
Gov. Janet Mills announced all state offices will be closed Tuesday due to the storm.
“Maine Emergency Management Agency is working closely with the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and Maine’s utility providers to track and prepare for this storm,” Mills said in a release. “With up to a foot of snow and mixed precipitation, we are expecting hazardous travel conditions, so I urge all Maine people to stay off the roads whenever possible and to exercise caution. Let’s also be sure to do what Maine people do best: check in, from a distance, on your neighbors and loved ones to make sure they are okay.”
All legislative offices will also be closed Tuesday, Senate President Troy Jackson and House Speaker Ryan Fecteau announced. This closure means all public hearings, work sessions, and other legislative meetings subject to public access laws have been canceled for Tuesday.
Legislative offices will reopen to lawmakers, staff, and essential people on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. Public hearings and work sessions originally scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2 will be rescheduled in the coming weeks.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning along Mid-Coast Maine while the western mountains will see a significant amount of snow. Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are expected along the coast with the potential for isolated power outages.
The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA is operational and monitoring the approaching snowstorm.
CMP says 300 lineworkers have been positioned across its service area, including 200 internal lineworkers, 100 contracted lineworkers, as well as 200 tree workers. Crews are also supported by an additional 400 employees working behind the scenes to ensure seamless coordination of response efforts.
“The combination of strong winds and snow can often lead to broken trees and limbs falling on power lines, ultimately resulting in outages,” Kerri Therriault, CMP’s director of electric operations, said in a release Monday. “We have made sure to prepare ahead of time as we continue to monitor the forecast. As the storm rolls in, we will be ready to respond—first prioritizing clearing any downed wires, debris, and roads.”
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CMP is coordinating with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, County Emergency Management agencies, and local municipalities to understand restoration priorities and any safety concerns.
Versant says its crews will also be ready to respond to outages, damage, and public safety concerns.
"The winter weather conditions expected can make travel conditions hazardous," Brad Flannery, Versant Power Storm Manager, said in a release. "If you must travel, plan ahead to allow extra time, increase your following distance behind other drivers, and if you see our crews on the road, please slow down and give them room to safely work."
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