Update: 1,744 of Eversource’s customers lost power as of 6:09 p.m.
MONROE, CT — Tropical Storm Debby is heading to the region, carrying heavy rain with wind gusts up to 40 mph, Friday into Saturday, according to some weather forecasts. Public safety officials in Monroe are following the situation closely.
“Severe winds and rains are expected until Saturday morning,” First Selectman Terry Rooney wrote in a post on the town’s Facebook page. “Please be careful and use caution when traveling. My office, the Police Department, and the Department of Public Works will be monitoring conditions as they progress.”
Local firefighters are also on alert.
“We monitor the storm conditions and, if necessary, implement a storm protocol that includes staffing all pieces of equipment and taking a triage approach on calls if volume becomes high,” Monroe Fire Chief Kevin Catalano told The Sun Friday. “We also take special care to ensure our equipment is fully ready to be deployed for long intervals including fuel, chain saws and road barriers.”
Eversource Energy put out a press release Thursday saying it is monitoring the situation and bringing in outside lineworkers to assist with power restoration, while crews prepare equipment and vehicles to be in position in advance of the storm for a quicker response if needed.
“The line of storms expected to come through the state Friday is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, which can bring down trees and tree limbs onto electric lines and equipment causing power outages,” said Eversource President of Electric Operations in Connecticut Steve Sullivan.
“We’re taking all necessary actions now to prepare and 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,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm by assembling or restocking a storm kit, which should include essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable foods, any needed medications, pet food and other necessities, the power company advised.
“In addition, 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,” the press release said.
Eversource reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires – which includes keeping pets away – and to report them immediately to 911. Be sure to report any 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.
Additional preparedness tips can be found at the Storm Preparedness section at Eversource.com.
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