A storm that soaked the Midcoast, Saturday, March 23, didn’t accumulate much snow, but the freezing rain that followed, and then turned to rain that froze overnight, has kept firefighters on the move in some parts of the region.

Motor vehicle accidents were few and relatively minor. Warren FD responded to a dump truck fire on Sandy Shores Road early in the day. In the afternoon, Thomaston emergency crews briefly slowed traffic along Old County Road after a vehicle went off the road and hit a utility pole between West Meadow and Route 1. Later in the afternoon, Rockport crews were called to a single-vehicle crash in their town. 

Into the night, the weight of frozen precipitation that accumulated on branches forced many trees to the ground, some blocking travel lanes. Around 11 p.m., Warren and Union responders were the busiest crews in the area. Yet, Hope and Washington FD have been called also, and with many of the calls, Central Maine Power was subsequently called as well.

Reports of downed trees continue to require attention well into the day Sunday, March 24 as the warming sun triggers some melting and therefore a new source of heaviness to the moisture-filled vegetation. 

In an 11:15 a.m., March 24 notification to its customers, CMP wrote:

Road and working conditions were incredibly dangerous and our focus overnight was making downed powerlines safe and responding to more than 250 calls from our Emergency Management Agency partners to clear blocked roads and respond to emergencies.

Damage to trees, poles and wires was significant overnight on Saturday. Ahead of this storm, we pre-staged 150 line crews across our service area and another 200 are arriving today to support teams already working. While widespread power restoration efforts have begun, because of the significant damage, we anticipate a multi-day restoration effort in areas hardest hit by the storm. We will provide you with an update on our progress late afternoon.                        

We understand power outages affect your daily life. Please know that our entire team is working around the clock for you. Remember that downed powerlines are extremely dangerous. If you see one, please remain at least 30 feet away and report it to us by calling 800.696.1000.