AUGUSTA — The Maine Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Henri and is working with Maine's Emergency Response Team, County Emergency Management Agencies, the National Weather Service, FEMA and utilities to prepare for the possibility of damaging winds, rain, and power outages.

Recent forecast models show Henri is expected to become a hurricane Friday and could make landfall in New England late Sunday or early Monday.

Please note that at this early stage, forecast conditions may change. 

"We are working together with all our partners to plan for this event," said Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Peter Rogers. "We are concerned about damaging winds, power outages, and the potential for coastal flooding."

Steps people can take to prepare for the tropical storm include:

- Build an emergency kit to include supplies needed for several days without power, including food, water, hand sanitizer, and face masks.

- Make a household emergency plan and discuss it with those who live with you.

- Get the latest alerts and warnings by downloading the free FEMA app or National Weather Service app on your smartphone.

- Ensure cell phones are fully charged and are enabled to receive National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts for tornadoes, flash flooding, and other emergency situations.

- Avoid driving on flooded roadways.

- Determine local evacuation routes.

- Identify alternate shelter locations in case you need to evacuate.

- Follow Covid-19 shelter guidelines such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and avoiding congregate shelters if you are not feeling well.

- Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, birdfeeders, and anything else that is not tied down.

- Remove boats and other watercraft from the water.

- Ensure generators are properly installed, fueled, and in good working order while located at least 15 feet from your home and not in any sort of enclosure like a garage or shed.