MEMA Urges Mainers to Prepare Ahead of Major Winter Storm

MEMA is coordinating preparedness efforts with County Emergency Management Agencies, State partners, and utility companies ahead of the storm, which will impact holiday travel.

The National Weather Service reports that beginning late Thursday, heavy rain and snow melt in western Maine will lead to potential widespread flooding with numerous road closures possible. Precipitation will begin as snow in the mountains before changing to rain late Friday morning. Snowmelt south of the mountains will lead to widespread minor flooding during the day on Friday with potential river flooding lasting into the weekend. Erosion is possible along the coast with potential damage to roads on exposed low-lying shorelines. High winds with gusts of up to 60 mph could damage trees, power lines, and property. Widespread power outages are likely. Temperatures will drop sharply Friday night into Saturday morning, making for unsafe driving conditions on Saturday due to flash freeze along roadways.

Gov. Janet Mills:

We are strongly urging all Maine people to prepare for this major storm. Please take every precaution to protect yourself, exercise caution when traveling, and check on your family, friends, and neighbors. We want to ensure that all Maine people stay safe during this holiday weekend.

MEMA Director Peter Rogers:

Now is the time to prepare for this major storm. Many folks will be traveling for the holidays in the next few days so plan ahead and be safe. We all need to be prepared for the possibility of a multi-day response.

Stay tuned to alerts and warnings by downloading the free FEMA app on their smart phone, which provides targeted preparedness information, alerts and warnings for specific areas.

With strong winds also in the forecast, Maine people should remove objects in their yard that could become airborne, such as holiday decorations, shovels, and garbage cans on decks and porches.

If you observe a downed power line, report it to your utility company. Never touch a downed power line or a tree in contact with a downed line. Motorists should slow down or change lanes when approaching utility crews working on roadways.

Warming Centers are opening in several Maine counties. Please visit MEMA’s website to find a location near you: 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.

For tips or resources on heating during the winter months, visit the Winter Heating Guide.

As you begin to prepare for the incoming storm, our friends and partners at @NWSCaribou have a timeline for the storm. #BePrepared by following them and @NWSGray for weather updates for your area. https://t.co/5RpbqeO4dD

— MEMA (@MaineEMA) December 21, 2022