Vt. utility triples field force, issues guidance due to new storm
Green Mountain Power is tracking multiple forecasts to prepare for possible very high winds gusting up to 65 mph across Vermont overnight Thursday and through the day Friday. Winds of that speed are very dangerous and can tear down trees and lines, causing outages.
This is a very large regional storm that has all of the Midwest and Northeast expecting weather that could cause disruptions. To assist our customers and to support internal GMP lineworkers, GMP has tripled our field force, keeping external crews in the state that were here helping to restore power during the Nor’easter last week that brought damaging heavy wet to Vermont. Altogether, more than 400 lineworkers are ready to restore power if needed.
Forecasters say the massive regionwide weather system heading east will bring the potential for strong winds and rain starting Thursday night, followed by plunging temperatures Friday night causing a flash freeze and potential for flooding.
With cold temperatures forecasted, you should have a plan for where to go if you need to leave your home, and how you would get there. With extreme high winds, there can also be hazards like flying debris, that make it unsafe for anyone outside, including crews.
To prepare for storms any time of year, GMP recommends you have some basics on hand including:
• a charged cellphone
• the GMP app on your cellphone
• flashlights with fresh batteries
• bottled water
Customers should call 911 for a medical emergency. For more GMP storm safety tips, and to sign up for text alerts go here: https://greenmountainpower.com/.../staying-safe-in-a-storm/
Report outages and track restoration times in GMP’s online Outage Center: https://outages.greenmountainpower.com
Also here is information on estimated restoration times and what they mean: https://gmpsnapshot.greenmountainpower.com/.../things-to.../
Stay safe!
— Green Mountain Power
Vermont 211 has the latest information on local shelters and warming centers in your area. You can find it at the website: vermont211.org. If you need help and you can't find any shelters or warming centers that are open in your area, call Vermont 211 by dialing the numbers "2-1-1" on your phone.
For further information about staying safe during power outages, go to this link.
