Dec. 10—There is a significant risk of power outages on Wednesday from a storm that will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Maine, but forecasters say it will not have the same severity as the storm on Dec. 18-19, 2023, that caused widespread and devastating flooding.
The rain comes on the heels of a storm that dropped several inches of snow across the region Tuesday night.
Snow totals ranged from 2 inches in Lisbon to 3.3 inches in Cumberland Center, the National Weather Service said. About 2.8 inches was reported at the Portland International Jetport, while 1.5 inches fell in Camden.
The weather service in Gray said heavy rain and strong winds are expected starting Tuesday night. But the storm is not expected to have as big an impact as the storm last December because winds will be focused on the Midcoast and not penetrate as far inland. There also is abundant capacity in rivers and reservoirs for runoff, and wless snow melt in the mountains and less severe river rises than last year, the weather service said.
Many areas could see 2 to 3 inches of rain, with close to 4 inches possible. That could result in flash flooding with sharp rises in area streams, minor to moderate river flooding and localized ice jam flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday over much of central Maine, including Kennebec, Somerset and Androscoggin counties. But forecasters say this storm will be less powerful than last December’s, and the state’s recent dry spell means much of the rain will be absorbed into the ground.
However, officials are keeping an eye on the Kennebec River, which can flood when a lot of rain falls in a short period. Augusta City Manager Jared Mills said in his weekly update to city councilors that most of the reservoirs that feed into the river are currently low enough that they should be able to handle additional runoff.
Along the coast and just inland, damaging winds are possible with downed trees and power lines. There is a significant risk of power outages in those areas, the weather service said.
The foothills and western mountains have a limited risk of power outages.
Workers from Central Maine Power Co. are preparing for possible outages throughout the state, but the total crew numbers had not been finalized Tuesday afternoon, spokesperson Jon Breed said in a phone call. He said strong winds from the south could blow over trees, which are accustomed to withstanding gusts from nor’easters.
“What’s significant about this particular storm are the southerly winds,” Breed said. “When you have these changing wind directions pushing on the weaker sides, they uproot.”
Trees that topple from outside the right of way are among the most common causes of damage to power lines, since utility companies are not legally allowed to touch them unless they become a hazard, he said.
“Maine has one of the strictest tree cutting laws in the states when it comes to trimming for power lines, which can cause problems,” Breed said.
In the case of a power outage, residents should focus on their personal safety and avoid touching downed equipment or using indoor stoves and ranges as heating sources, Breed said. He also suggested residents unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics to avoid the risk of damaging them when power returns.
Those in immediate danger should call 911, and those who may need help securing shelter or fulfilling other needs can call 211 for Maine’s services directory, he said.
Outages are expected to come with the storm, beginning Wednesday and carry into Thursday, Breed said.
Kennebec Journal Staff Writer Keith Edwards contributed reporting.
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