First Windstorm of the Season to Impact Maine

State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency

CONTACT: Vanessa Sperrey
CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201
EMAIL: [email protected]

AUGUSTA, MAINE - The first windstorm of the season will blow into Maine tomorrow before a sharp temperature drop. The National Weather Service offices in Gray and Caribou report a big warm-up Friday will bring widespread rain and strong winds across much of the state. Along the Maine coast, wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph will create an elevated potential for power outages, with power outages further inland remaining limited, but still possible.

Dropping temperatures on Friday night will freeze standing water from rain and snow melt earlier in the day, possibly causing slick roads and hazardous travel. Across northern Maine, rain will transition to a rain/snow mix with limited accumulation expected.

Winds will decrease on Saturday, but remain gusty through the day as colder, drier air moves in. Saturday night into Sunday there's a higher chance of snow showers or light snow, especially inland and northern zones, with temperatures much cooler.

Overall: wet and windy Friday, potential freezing Friday night, then colder and breezy on Saturday. Lighter snow chances later this weekend.

River flooding concerns look low with this system due to excess capacity caused by the ongoing drought. Ice movement is expected on the rivers of Central and Western Maine, but overall, the ice jam threat remains low due to low river levels and relatively thin river ice currently in place.

"Our primary concern is wind-driven power outages combined with rapidly dropping temperatures," said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. "Any prolonged loss of power will intensify the dangers of this cold snap. We encourage everyone to monitor the forecast, prepare, and stay safe."

Driving conditions may be unfavorable during the height of the storm. Motorists are urged to have their emergency car kit ready and avoid distracted driving.

To prepare for a power outage:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Charge cell phones and devices now.
• Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs, such as a portable charger or power bank.
• Have flashlights with new batteries for every household member.
• Have enough nonperishable food and water for each household member and pets for at least 72 hours.

If the power goes out, keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

Residents using alternate heat or power sources should ensure equipment is properly installed, functioning correctly, and operated according to manufacturer guidelines; this wood-burning stoves and heaters, kerosene heaters, electric heaters, and electric generators. As a reminder, generators should always be placed outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Do not put a generator in a closed or partly closed space, like a basement, cellar bulkhead, garage, or porch, even if doors and windows are open.

To prevent water pipes from freezing:

• If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the garage doors closed.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall.
• Leave your thermostat set to the same temperature during day and night - A cold snap is not the time to set back the thermostat at night to save a few bucks on your heating bill.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

For the long-term solutions, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain higher temperatures in those areas. To prevent drafts, be sure to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors.

If your pipes do freeze, you can safely thaw them by:

• Turning on the faucet because running water through the pipe, as cold as it is, will help melt any ice in the pipe.
• Applying heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or a portable space heater that's kept away from flammable materials. Do NOT use a blowtorch, a kerosene or propane heater, a charcoal stove, or any device with an open flame because high heat can damage the pipes or even start a fire.

Make sure to apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Check all other faucets in your home to see whether you have additional frozen pipes because if one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too. If you are unable to locate the frozen area or if you cannot thaw the pipe yourself, call a licensed plumber.

After power and other utilities have been restored, please be cautious with storm-damaged tree clean-up. Maine Forest Service offers tips and helpful guidance for those faced with questions about what to do with downed trees, limbs, branches and debris.

For further tips or resources on heating during the winter months, visit the Maine Department of Energy Resources' Winter Heating Guide.

Warming and Charging Centers operated by local municipalities and organizations could open in communities across Maine. Please visit MEMA's website to find a list of locations: https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care. You may also dial 211 (or 866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of locations, or contact your town office, fire, or police department for local Warming Center information.

For other safety and preparedness information, visit MEMA's website or find us on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Nextdoor.

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