A tree split in half on Bellevue Avenue in South Portland, in the Willard Beach neighborhood. (Photo by Jessica Routhier)
BRUNSWICK – A powerful Nor’easter inundated the New England early this morning with high winds and heavy rains, knocking out power to thousands of Mainers and raising the possibility of flooding.
There were more than 62,000 CMP customers without electricity as of 6:45 this morning in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. In all, more than 108,000 CMP customers were in the dark, according to the company’s website, a number that soon rose to nearly 220,000, according to the Portland Press Herald.
Almost 4,000 Bath customers were without electricity, out of a total of nearly 5,000 customers in that community.
Things were a little brighter in Brunswick, where about 1,800 out of 11,000 customers were without electricity. Power was also knocked out to nearly half of Harpswell.
“If you are headed out this morning please drive carefully,” Brunswick Police posted on its Facebook page at about 6 a.m. “Roads are beginning to flood in areas and there are several trees and lines down around town. Crews are working diligently to keep roads open, but plan for delays.”
Debris such as leaves and branches littered local streets this morning.
The Sagadahoc County Emergency Management Agency announced via social media Wednesday night that they are actively monitoring the situation.
“Keep pets and animals inside or sheltered and please check on neighbors and the elderly,” the agency stated.
The agency also recommended securing outdoor items including furniture, decorations, garbage cans and trampolines.
The agency recommended contacting 2-1-1 for a list of shelters, if needed.
Bath-area schools were closed after the storm knocked out power to several Regional School Unit 1 schools, according to an announcement from Superintendent Patrick Manuel.
Maine School Administrative District 75, which serves the Topsham area, also cancelled school
Regional School Unit 5, which serves Freeport, Durham and Pownal, announced a 2-hour delay, as does the Wiscasset School Department.
Nearly all Woolwich customers were without electricity, and it appeared that all Georgetown, and Phippsburg customers were in the dark.
The National Weather Service predicted this morning that high winds and heavy rains would continue through Thursday, dropping temperatures 10-20 degrees below normal for much of the Northeast.
A high wind warning was expected to be in effect until 11 a.m. for much of Maine. The National Weather Service stated that: “People should avoid being outside in forested areas or around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.”
The NWS also urged caution if using a generator.
Rain was expected to continue mainly before 10 a.m., followed by a chance of showers with winds today between 25-30 mph before tapering down tonight.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
