Lincoln County continues to weather the effects of former Hurricane Sandy early Tuesday morning, but conditions should continue to improve as the day goes on, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The overnight hours brought strong winds followed by steady rainfall, causing power outages but no major incidents at the time of this posting, according to sources including the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA). Trees and wires knocked down by the storm were too numerous to count, and there were several reports of transformer explosions.
Unsettled weather is forecast to continue in Lincoln County, with the possibility of thundershowers through out the day on Tuesday, according to the NWS. However, wind velocities should steadily decrease overnight and during the day, and change direction from east-southeast to southeasterly as the storm’s center of circulation passes by.
Over 3,000 Lincoln County residents remain without power at the time of this posting, despite the best efforts of crews from Central Maine Power (CMP) to restore electricity to the area. The hard working CMP crews made significant progress despite the danger of high winds, blocked roadways and falling tree branches. At approximately 8 p.m. 6,724 Lincoln County households were without power, according to CMP. That number was reduced to 5,308 by 9 p.m., according to CMP.
CMP expects the work of securing all downed equipment will continue through the night. The company will begin work on Tuesday morning with a workforce of nearly 1,000 line workers, tree crews, supervisors, assessors, and safety specialists in the field to assess system damage and begin repairs on core system components including transmission lines and 3-phase feeder lines to critical public facilities such as hospitals and shelters, according to CMP.
The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.
“Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines,” said a CMP spokesperson. “These lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely.”
CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone’s consideration for their safety.
Over 79,000 Maine households were without power at the height of the storm, according to CMP.
On Tuesday morning a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 8 a.m. and a Coastal Flood Warning until 5 a.m., according to the CMP.
The Lincoln County News website will continue to follow the progress of this event, with constant coverage beginning Monday, extending into the night-time hours, and continuing on Tuesday. Any additional information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available. Anyone with information on the storm is encouraged to contact Greg Latimer directly at 207-380-9912 or greglatimer@yahoo.com.
A full report will appear in The Lincoln County News print and E-Editions this week.
