MAINE, USA — Mainers are in for another wet and windy Monday as another storm sweeps across the state to start the week.
In most areas, two to three inches of rain is expected to fall beginning Sunday night through midnight on Tuesday, with four to five inches anticipated in western Maine.
Much of the state will also see high winds pick up on Monday, with the highest gusts potentially reaching up to 65 miles per hour along the coastline.
With the predictions comes an increased flooding risk and anticipated power outages.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of Maine, with High Wind Warnings in several areas.
Central Maine Power said it has been preparing for the storm ahead of potential power outages.
"Given the already water-saturated soil from previous storms, with more rainfall expected, trees may be more vulnerable to the strong winds associated with this storm," Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power, said in a news release on Sunday. "Our service centers, tree crews and lineworkers will be prestaging across our service area overnight and will be prepared to respond to any storm damage that may occur."
A spokesperson with Versant Power told NEWS CENTER Maine the utility company has secured 75 line crews and additional tree crews to help with restoration efforts. Multi-day restoration efforts are anticipated.
Versant asks that drivers watch out and slow down for utility crews working throughout the storm.
During a period of increased flood risk, remember to drive cautiously and to maintain a safe distance from flooded areas. The Maine Emergency Management Agency warns against attempting to cross flooded roadways, and says to maintain a safe distance from flooded streets, culverts, and streams.
