A number of factors have combined to drive the number of power outages up in Lincoln County following the first measurable snowfall of the season. A total of 310 Lincoln County households were without electrical power, according to the report from Central Maine Power Co. at 11:57 a.m. Sunday, up from 160 outages reported at 10:28 p.m. Saturday.
That number gives Lincoln County the highest number of outages statewide, followed by Kennebec with 208. There are presently 598 outages statewide, according to CMP.
All of the outages were affecting coastal communities in Lincoln County, with 142 in Bristol, 124 in Boothbay, 33 in Southport, and 11 in Westport Island, according to CMP.
Factors contributing to the number of outages could include heavy, wet snowfall; melting clumps of snow striking branches and wires; traffic accidents involving power poles; and CMP crews cutting power to certain areas so lines can be worked on safely.
Clear, sunny weather on Sunday and Monday should allow repair crews a chance to complete restoration before Tuesday, when a combination of snow and rain is forecast to visit the area.
