Central Maine Power said just after noon that the company is prepared for gusty winds associated with rainstorm arriving Monday night.

In preparation for this storm, CMP is staffing extra crews at its service centers across regions of Maine to respond quickly and safely to any outages that may occur, the company said in a March 16 news release.

The storm is forecasted to bring gusty winds that may exceed 50-60 mph and rain. For safety reasons, CMP crews are prohibited from raising bucket truck arms when windspeeds are greater than 30 mph.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) warns of rapid rises on streams and rivers, increasing the potential for moving river ice and possible ice jams, while some mountainous rivers could reach minor flood stage.

Winds are increase along the coast Monday night and across northern Maine Tuesday, while a Storm Warning is also in effect for coastal waters. Rivers are expected to crest Tuesday into Tuesday night, and Coast Guard cutters will conduct icebreaking operations across northern New England to help reduce ice jam risks.

“We urge residents to stay aware of changing weather conditions, monitor local forecasts, and use caution near rivers and streams where ice movement and flooding may occur,” said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. “We’re working with state partners, County EMAs, and meteorologists to evaluate conditions and needs throughout the storm.”

Outdoor decorations, furniture, and trash cans should be secured or put away until the storm passes. 

Flood Safety

• Never drive through flooded roads. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Avoid parking or camping near rivers or streams.
• Use extra caution when driving at night when flooding may be harder to see.
• Know flood-prone areas in your community.
• Pay attention to evacuation notices from local officials. 

Power Outage Preparation

• Charge phones and essential devices.
• Have flashlights and extra batteries available.
• Keep at least 72 hours of non-perishable food and water for people and pets.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed if power goes out. 

General Safety

• Stay away from downed power lines and assume they are live.
• Report power outages directly to your utility company, not 911.
• Avoid flooded areas until authorities say they are safe. 

For other safety and preparedness information, visit MEMA’s website or go to Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Nextdoor. 

"This morning and afternoon are a good time to ensure preparedness, charge devices and check flashlight batteries in case of an outage," said CMP spokesperson, Dustin Wlodkowski, in the release. “Our crews are doing their final checks today, including the preparation of storm kits that contain items commonly used in restoration such as fuses, wires and other useful field equipment.”

In every storm, CMP assists local emergency management agencies to clear roads blocked by downed trees. Falling trees are the leading cause of outages at CMP and road clearing can be completed even when it is too windy for crews to work in the air in buckets. 

For any customers looking for additional information on how to prepare for a possible power outage, CMP’s Storm Safety Checklist can be a helpful resource.