Power Outages Caused by Massachusetts Storm Could Last Days
Heavy winds, torrential rain and scattered thunderstorms are forecast in Massachusetts. The rain began falling in the morning and is expected to finish during the night.
With nearly the entire state of Massachusetts under a high wind warning Monday, power companies are warning that it could take longer than expected to restore power if it is knocked out in communities.
Heavy winds, torrential rain and scattered thunderstorms are forecast in Massachusetts. The rain began falling in the morning and is expected to finish during the night.
The entire state, excluding Franklin County, is under a high wind warning from noon to 10 p.m. Some areas could see wind gusts up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Franklin County is under a high wind advisory as of 11:30 a.m.
The winds could knock down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected, the National Weather Service said.
As @MassEMA monitors the current weather forecast, with potential for high wind, rain and outages Monday, it is important to take extra care to stay safe during the #COVID19 emergency.
National Grid said in Massachusetts the storm is considered a Type 3 event which means roughly 10 percent of its customers could be impacted for three days.
“National Grid recognizes the ongoing challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and has been monitoring the potential weather conditions for several days,” the company said in a statement. “The Company has been securing additional resources to support potential restoration needs and collaborating with local and state agencies to ensure that it’s prepared for the storm and its aftermath.”
Michael McCallan, vice president of New England Electric Operations for National Grid, said he understands the country and the company’s customers are “already experiencing an incredibly challenging situation with the coronavirus pandemic” and National Grid will do everything it can to keep the power running.
“That being said, if the weather throws a punch, we know it’s more important than ever that we ensure the safety of our customers and employees and be ready to address the potential outages that may occur,” he said.
More than 200 external line crews have been secured to assist National Grid’s 200 internal line crews in the region and another 200 forestry crews will also be ready to assist in the restoration efforts once conditions are safe to do so, National Grid said.
Eversource said in a statement that the company is monitoring the storm.
The company said it is adhering to social distancing guidelines and has enhanced sanitation measures to safeguard the health and well-being of workers and customers.
Eversource has energy line and tree crews prepared to respond.
“With many customers working remotely and students relying on technology for distance learning during this unprecedented time, we recognize how important it is to have reliable power,” said Eversource Vice President of Electric Operations Doug Foley. “Working under the challenging conditions related to the pandemic, our crews are positioned around the state and ready to respond to any damage or outages caused by Monday’s storm. Our team will work around-the-clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible – yet some restorations may take longer as we work to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.”