Eversource, the state’s largest electric service provider, said they are closely monitoring an expected nor’easter this weekend and have operations crews already gearing up for the storm system to impact the state on Sunday and Monday.
While thousands of runners are expected to come out Saturday for the Eversource Hartford Marathon, the utility company said operations crews are focused on storm response and restoration. Crews are already positioning equipment in critical parts of the state so they can quickly respond as needed, the company said. Eversource said they are also bringing in outside lineworkers to assist with power restoration.
“As we gear up for the Eversource Hartford Marathon, we’re also closely watching the storm headed our way this weekend and are taking all necessary actions now to prepare,” said Steve Sullivan, Eversource president of Connecticut electric operations. “The heavy rain and hazardous winds forecasted can bring down trees and limbs onto power lines and equipment causing outages, especially since the trees still have most of their leaves and are more susceptible to cause damage.
“We will have crews in position at our work centers throughout the state before the storm hits so they can get to any damage locations and restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We’re excited for the marathon and a beautiful day of weather on Saturday as we come together in support of valuable community organizations and will be ready to also support our communities with an efficient storm response later in the weekend,” he said.
What’s the forecast?
Saturday is expected to be mostly cloudy and dry, but winds will increase tonight ahead of the nor’easter set to impact the state on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
The heaviest rain will likely fall Sunday night and into Monday morning.
On Sunday, rain will fall mainly after 1 p.m., according to the NWS. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 62 degrees. Winds will range from 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. On Sunday night, rain and wind is expected to continue with wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.
Monday will also see rain and wind continue, with wind gusts as high as 34 mph with the potential to bring down trees and wires, according to the NWS. Wind and rain is likely to continue into Tuesday morning with Tuesday evening being mostly cloudy and dry.
Residents are encouraged to also prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit that includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, any needed medications, pet food and other necessities. In addition, officials say to make sure cell phones and devices are fully charged, review or create an emergency plan with family members and prepare to check on elderly neighbors and friends.
Officials say to stay clear of downed wires – which includes keeping pets away – and to report them immediately to 9-1-1. Report an outage online at Eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen, the company said.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
