High winds today could cause power outages, utility officials say

Forecasters are calling for unsettled weather in the Northern Seacoast this afternoon with sustained southeast winds of 16 mph and gusts up to 40 mph along with a steady rain that will start around 11 a.m.

Central Maine Power sent out a bulletin today warning of potential power outages that could last more than a day.

Current forecasts call for potentially more than a foot of wet snow in Northern Maine, with heavy rain and gusty winds along the coast starting this afternoon and into Friday.

The utility said they were prepared with around 80 internal and 85 in-state contractor line crews ready to respond in addition to 100 tree crews.

"We are working closely with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to coordinate our response," said Doug Herling, president and CEO of CMP. "We understand that most Mainers are working and learning at home, and, given state executive orders, there are limitations on where people can go if they experience an outage.

"We urge our customers to prepare by ensuring they have charged devices, batteries, lamps and generators if available. As always, we will respond as quickly and safely as we can in the event we have outages."

The winds are expected to continue into the evening with sustained winds out of the west at 20 mph and gusts up to 31.

The lows overnight will be in the mid-30s so it's likely the inch or so of precipitation will be in the form of rain.