Even as Maine continues to recover from the devastating rain, wind and flooding that rocked the state last month, emergency management officials and utility companies are bracing for yet another winter storm expected to start tonight. 

Meteorologists are predicting heavy wind and rain, especially along coastal areas, making power outages likely. Vanessa Corson, spokesperson for the Maine Emergency Management Agency, said officials are monitoring the storm and are ready to respond as conditions change. 

“As the storm unfolds we will increase staffing as needed to include emergency response team members,” she said. 

Corson said utility companies are bringing in extra crews in anticipation of Tuesday night’s storm and yet another weather event expected on Saturday. Officials at Central Maine Power and Versant Power, the state’s two largest electrical utilities, said they are ready. 

“We have been monitoring this winter storm since late last week and have already secured additional line and tree crews, which will be pre-staging Tuesday night,” said CMP Spokesperson Jon Breed. 

Officials at Versant added that a total of 100 crews are on standby in anticipation of coastal-area winds gusting as high as 60 mph. 

“We have internal and external line and tree crews ready to respond to storm damage Wednesday,” said Warren Morgan, storm manager for Versant. “With the potential for high winds to bring down trees and lines, we’re asking customers to prepare for a multi-day restoration.” 

Gov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that all state offices would not open Wednesday until noontime due to the weather.

“With snow, rain, and wind expected to impact much of Maine tomorrow, I encourage all Maine people to drive carefully and cautiously during their commute,” Mills said. “Please be sure to give plow trucks, utility crews, and emergency first responders plenty of space as they work to keep us safe.”

One major difference between this and the Dec. 18, 2023 wind and rainstorm that struck the state is that major rivers such as the Androscoggin and Kennebec are not expected to rise above flood stage this week. Mike Cempa, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gray, noted the flooding last month took place due to heavy rains and snow melt in the mountains. That, he said, won’t happen this week. 

“It’s going to stay snow in the mountains for most of the storm,” he said. 

That should come as good news to people still recovering from flood damage. In Hallowell, historic flooding last month hit downtown business owners hard, including Chris Vallee, co-owner of the Quarry Taproom. He said flooding last month filled his basement and got up to the first floor. He’s replacing flooring on the first floor this week but had to remove equipment and food from the basement that had been ruined. 

“We lost everything,” he said. “It’s like starting over from scratch.” 

When asked if he worried the nearby Kennebec River would flood once again, he said, “I hope not, (but) at least the basement’s empty.” 

Utilities and MEMA offered tips for Mainers to stay safe. CMP warned people should not drive during the storm unless necessary. During last weekend’s snowstorm alone, CMP said in a release, there were 13 motor vehicle accidents that caused power outages. 

“We have seen several winter storms this season, with tree damage and motor vehicle accidents being some of the most common causes of power outages,” Breed said. “With another storm on the way, we urge caution if anyone needs to travel on Wednesday as conditions will likely be hazardous throughout the day.” 

MEMA urged anyone who had to be outdoors during the storm not to try to walk through moving water, not to drive through flooded roads and not to drive around roadblocks. 

Both CMP and Versant warned residents to avoid downed lines and not to remove any downed limbs or other debris touching downed wires. They also suggested customers keep a supply of fresh water, batteries and nonperishable food items. Anyone using a generator should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to keep the generators outside. 

MEMA said residents could check the agency’s website for information about warming and charging centers for those who need them. Residents can also dial 211 for assistance.