DATE: Friday, January 12, 2024
CONTACT: Vanessa Corson
CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201
EMAIL: vanessa.corson@maine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Says Brace And Prepare For Saturday’s Storm
AUGUSTA, MAINE —Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is urging people to stay away from the coast during the storm that arrives this evening and will continue through much of tomorrow. Residents, especially those near the coast, should make a plan, have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts, be familiar with evacuation routes, and follow guidance from local officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Gray and Caribou report that coastal flooding is the biggest threat with this storm as major coastal flooding is expected with beach erosion and 2-4 feet of coastal inundation. That means areas that experienced excessive flooding in the last storm should expect the same during tomorrow’s storm. A high wind warning is issued for the coast of Maine with power outages likely due to 65 mph wind gusts. Utility crews are already postured in some peninsula and island areas in anticipation of outages.
There is a high wind warning from the Penobscot Bay north with historic coastal water levels possible around Noon. This may cause coastal inundation in areas that have not seen water before. Do not drive through flooded coastal areas. NWS reports the water will recede with the tide and urges everyone to be patient. The Penobscot River in Bangor will see a surge slightly less than Wednesday, but flooding is expected in the downtown plaza area. Northern Maine should be aware of blowing snow during the morning hours. Significant power outages are not anticipated in this region. Snow in the interior of Maine will change to rain and cause slick driving conditions.
“I strongly urge Maine people, particularly those along the coast, to take this storm seriously, to prepare for it, and to follow the advice of local emergency management officials,” said Governor Janet Mills. “We are encouraging people to stay away from the coast if possible. While the storm surge will likely be smaller than earlier this week, we are expecting a larger swing in the tides which means that folks should expect serious flooding again. With high winds, there is also the likelihood of power outages. MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center will be at full activation tomorrow, and we will continue to monitor the storm’s impacts and respond accordingly. Please do your part by preparing and taking precautions to stay safe. Remember, it is never safe to walk through flowing water, drive through flooded areas, or drive around road barriers.”
“High tides, heavy surf and wind-swept waves could make the coast extremely dangerous. For their safety we urge citizens to stay away from the coastline during this significant storm,” said MEMA Director Peter Rogers. “Coastal residents need to make plans now for flooding, possible road closures, and always follow guidance from local officials.”
Communication is key before, during, and after a storm:
- Make Your Emergency Plan Today. Get started here: www.ready.gov/plan #FloodSafety
- Have your communication ON when the power's OFF by packing a hand-crank radio, solar or car phone charger & batteries. #FloodSafety
- Where will your loved ones be in a flood? Create and practice your communication plan today! www.ready.gov/plan
- Make a plan to connect during disasters by text, e-mail, social media & cell #FloodSafet
Cold temperatures Sunday will be a concern for folks who are without power. Warming and Charging Centers operated by municipalities and local organizations may open in communities across Maine. Please visit MEMA’s website to find the nearest location: https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care. You may also dial 2-1-1 or visit their website for a list of locations.
If you use a generator:
- Using portable gas-powered generators can quickly cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning when they are run in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. CO is a colorless, odorless gas formed when burning most types of fuels.
- How do you keep a generator dry if you lose power and it's raining? It's unsafe to run them in the garage, barn, shed, or on the porch. Instead:
- Place the generator outdoors 20 ft 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.
- Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
- Protect your family from CO poisoning, and electrocution.
- Follow the safety instructions for operating your portable generator.
- Do not use outdoor cooking devices indoors like gas or charcoal grills and gas camp stoves.
- Place a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area in your home. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory "UL certification" marked with the "Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm" statement.
- Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
- Warning signs of CO poisoning are similar to flu symptoms that include headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or altered mental status.
- If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, leave the house at once, call 911, and do not go back into the building until the fire department tells you it is safe.
Individuals of private industry and privately owned commercial infrastructure who sustained property damage from the storm, including wharfs, floats, vessels, etc. are urged to document and report that damage by filling out the Business and Agriculture Initial Damage Assessment Survey (online).
This is not an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance. Submission of damage information will help the State of Maine best understand the extent of damage from the storm. Individuals who sustained damages to their primary residence are encouraged to document and report that damage by filling out the Individuals & Households Initial Damage Assessment Survey (online), or by calling 2-1-1. This is also not an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance. Those reporting damages are encouraged to submit their damage assessment information by Monday, January 22nd.
Mainers are encouraged to stay tuned to alerts and warnings through media or by downloading the free FEMA app on their smart phone, which provides targeted preparedness information, alerts and warnings for specific areas. For timely safety and preparedness information, find MEMA on Facebook or X or visit www.Maine.gov/MEMA.
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