City News Brief
High wind, significant rain and potential coastal flooding expected in Portland due to Hurricane Lee
The City of Portland urges residents to prepare for potential impacts from Hurricane Lee. The storm is expected to arrive in Portland sometime Friday night and last into Saturday, September 16th.
Expect high wind, significant rain, rough seas, pounding surf, and coastal flooding. Power outages could occur due to trees being affected by the amount of rain that has fallen over the summer. Residents should be prepared for coastal flooding to close low-lying roads and roads near the waterfront.
City officials are coordinating preparedness efforts with the Maine Emergency Management Association (MEMA) as well as County Emergency Management Agencies, State partners, and Central Maine Power (CMP).
Stay tuned to alerts and warnings. Visit www.portlandmaine.gov/stayconnected and sign up for the City’s Emergency Alerts list. You can also text the word PortlandMEAlerts to 38276 to subscribe.
Given the high winds forecasted, people should remove objects in their yard that could become airborne, such as yard decorations and garbage cans on decks and porches.
City officials will barricade flooded streets. Pay attention to these barricades and do not drive through flooded streets. Not only could it damage your vehicle, but also cause extra calls for service to first responders.
Downed Power Lines & Trees
If you observe a downed power line, report it to CMP. Citizens are reminded to 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.
Report other related tree damage from trees in the public way to City Forestry crews via our 311 tool, SeeClickFix. Residents can download the SeeClickFix mobile app or visit www.portlandmaine.gov/311. Provide as much detail as possible, with pictures, so crews know how to respond to each hazard.
Regional emergency shelters may open in several Maine counties. Please visit MEMA’s website to find out if emergency shelters open. You may also dial 2-1-1. The First Parish Church at 425 Congress Street in Portland will serve as a warming shelter for unhoused individuals between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Saturday.
Ways to Prepare
The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges residents to prepare ahead of this storm. To view their preparedness information, visit this page.
To prepare for Hurricane Lee, MEMA recommends:
- Check that your emergency kit includes supplies needed for several days without power, including food, water, and hand sanitizer. Also consider medications, pet food or other special needs.
- Get the latest alerts and warnings on your smartphone by downloading the free FEMA app or National Weather Service app.
- Eable cell phones to receive National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts for tornadoes, flash flooding, and other emergency situations.
- Charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Determine local evacuation routes.
- Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Ensure generators are properly installed, fueled, and in good working order.
If you need to use a portable generator, please remember that the only safe place to use a portable generator is outside and far from any occupied dwelling. This requires planning for the distance and having the right amount of extension cords to bring power to a dwelling space.
For more safety information, please visit: https://www.takeyourgeneratoroutside.com/safety-resources/severe-weather-preparedness/
