Repairs are ongoing to utility poles in northern and eastern Maine from December’s wind storm, just as another storm with high winds is forecast for the area this week.
The Dec. 18 storm knocked out power to about 97,000 Versant customers, with restoration efforts lasting about five days and hundreds of utility poles damaged. During restoration, safe but not permanent repairs were made to some poles, Versant spokesperson Marissa Minor said.
Those repairs were made by bracing about 50 poles or using other supports to help restore power as fast as possible to as many people as possible, Minor said.
Now crews are returning to those temporary repairs to replace or fix the poles in a time-consuming process that requires special equipment. Those repairs will take place over the next few weeks.
As repairs continue, nearly 1,000 miles of lines affected by the storm will be inspected, allowing crews to find hazards such as trees and pinpoint where additional repairs may be needed.
Individual service lines for about 100 customers, mostly on camp roads, will need repairs done by an electrician. After customers have an electrician make those repairs, crews can reconnect the home to the grid, Minor said.
Low-hanging lines are likely communication lines, which are fixed by that communication provider, she said.
Anyone who sees a line on the ground should report it immediately by calling 207-973-2000.
Those repairs are continuing as another potentially severe storm is expected to hit Maine late Tuesday. Heavy rain and wind are expected to hit the state, with a possibility of sleet and snow.
Winds are expected around 30 to 40 mph in the Bangor area, the National Weather Service said. Downeast Maine is expected to have the highest gusts.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the area in which the utility poles were damaged and how many were being braced. The story has been updated.