MAINE, USA —
UPDATE
Storm starting to deliver heavy wind gusts throughout the state. Luckily only about 4000 customers without power so far this Friday morning.
ORIGINAL
Rain showers and wind will continue through tonight, but Santa will have no problem traveling through the state.
Rain and wind will start to pick up in intensity by Christmas morning.
Both CMP and Versant are preparing for power outages on Christmas Day.
"We have been watching and planning for this storm for several days and are letting all of our own employees know that they will likely be called into work over the holiday,” David Flanagan, executive Board chair of CMP, said in a statement. "We know that customers may be distracted by last-minute holiday preparations and we want to be sure they consider the possibility that power may be impacted as they get ready.”
Versant Power based in Central, Eastern and Northern Maine is also bracing for the storm.
"As we prepare our crews for a storm beginning Christmas Eve, we encourage the public to prepare for the possibility of power outages as well as difficult travel conditions," said Allison Doughty, Versant Power storm manager. "With such strong winds in the forecast, it is possible that conditions will be unsafe for our line crews, which may delay restoration times."
STORM TIMELINE
Rain will get heavy in Southern Maine in the late morning and early afternoon. Winds will be gusty through this time as well.
Rain gets steadier in Bangor by the evening.
And starts to wrap up in Southern Maine by Friday night.
Because of the heavy rain, which will amount to about 1.5-2.5" for most of us, there are flooding concerns. Flood watches are in effect through Sunday.
As for the wind: wind will be strongest at the coast where we will likely see 50-60 mph gusts, but possibly up to 65 mph gusts. This will likely cause power outages.
Please stay safe and have a very Merry Christmas!
Jessica Conley
