Wiscasset town officials and emergency service workers held an emergency meeting Friday, August 26 to review procedures for the possibility of a hurricane or tropical storm this weekend.
“We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” said Wiscasset EMA Director Roland Abbot.
The National Weather Service in Gray is predicting Lincoln County will see 30-50 mph sustained winds with gusts reaching 60-70 mph Sunday. Two to three inches of rain, along with a two-foot storm surge, is also expected.
A press release from Lincoln County EMA is encouraging residents to be “prepared for power outages, heavy rain at times, and high winds.”
An 11.2 foot high tide is expected at 11:27 p.m. on Sunday, which, along with the storm surge, raises the specter of flooding on Water Street and the railroad. Despite these concerns, Wiscasset Road Commissioner Greg Griffin says his men are prepared for the storm.
“We’re ready to go, ” Griffin said.
The Wiscasset Community Center will be open as a shelter for those evacuating their homes.
“The shelter will probably open [Saturday] night, depending on the storm,” Abbot said.
The shelter will open at 6 a.m. Sunday at the very latest, he said.
Wiscasset will be operating the shelter in conjunction with the Red Cross.
Though food and bedding at the community center are currently a concern, the town will be coordinating with the Red Cross to bring in food and cots, Lincoln County EMA Finance and Administration head Kristin Draper said.
“With everything going on, with this storm, we’re passing it on to the Red Cross,” Abbot said.
The community center gym will be used for housing overnighters. According to Parks and Recreations Director Todd Souza, up to 1,000 people can be housed inside the center. Pets are also welcome, he said, but must be kept in crates.
Abbot warned those evacuating to leave their homes before the storm hits.
“If people are evacuating they need to get out before it starts,” Abbot said.
An Emergency Operating Center will be set up at the Wiscasset Public Building, either in the Police or Fire Departments. The EOC will be set up by 9 a.m. Sunday. A representative from every emergency department and the Board of Selectmen will be present. Abbot estimated the EOC would be operational for at least 24 hours, from Sunday to midmorning Monday.
“It’s a lot of wait and see,” Abbot said.
For those planning on waiting the storm out in their homes, Abbot advised bringing inside all outside items and to have flashlights and a radio ready. Those who find themselves in need of a safe place can call ‘211’ to find their closest shelter. Storm updates will be broadcast on WGAN and MRN.
Lincoln County EMA asks those seeking more information to contact their local Emergency Management Director or call the Lincoln County Office of Emergency Management at 882-7559.
