Powerful winds biggest threat of winter storm for Seacoast NH, southern Maine
Warmer temperatures expected Monday likely mean rain, not snow, for the coastal areas in Seacoast New Hampshire and southern Maine.
Maura Casey, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said lower snow accumulations could be seen inland around the local area with higher totals to the north.
"The biggest impact to the southern New Hampshire seacoast will be wind, possibly gale force," Casey said. "Everyone will start out as snow Sunday night but by about 5-7 a.m., the coast will be mostly rain. It will be warm, around 40 degrees, so you will see a windy, rainy heatwave of sorts."
Across Rockingham County, the snow totals should be in 1-3 inch range, she said.
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"It will be a quick-hit storm," Casey said. "By mid-afternoon, it will likely be all wrapped up. But the temperatures by Monday night will return to the 20s so a freeze of wet or ponded surfaces is possible."
Casey said there is possibility of gale or storm force winds, so people should watch updates Monday for potential flooding.
Utilities prepare for potential outages
New Hampshire and Maine power companies are monitoring the storm.
Eversource announced it is preparing for potential power outages late Sunday night and Monday. The company is positioning line and tree crews across the state as well as bringing in additional out-of-state crews to respond to any damage or outages caused by the weather.
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“We’ve been carefully monitoring this weather system for the last few days and we’ll have workers and materials in position across the state ready to respond and will adjust our plans if the forecast changes,” said Eversource President of New Hampshire Operations Doug Foley. “With wet snow in some parts of the state and wind gusts up to 45 or 50 miles per hour possible, there is the potential for trees and tree limbs to come down onto power lines and electric equipment. We’re fully stocked with extra utility poles, wire, transformers and other equipment and ready to repair any damage this storm may cause.”
Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires and to report them immediately to 9-1-1.
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Central Maine Power, the largest provider in York County, is preparing, too. CMP has prepositioned crews throughout the service area to respond to potential outages and announced it has secured added resources.
“This is a tough time of year when it comes to the weather in Maine,” said Adam Desrosiers, CMP vice president of electric operations. “Heavy wet snow, like what is forecasted on Monday, also causes trees and limbs to break and fall onto power lines, ultimately resulting in outages. Regardless, we are prepared, with internal crews and additional resources ready to respond should outages occur.”
Eversource.com: Call 800-662-7764
Unitil.com: Call 888-301-7700
Cmpco.com: Call 800-696-1000
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Winter storm: Seacoast NH, Maine expected to see powerful winds
