Unitil Corporation, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers throughout New England, is preparing for the potential of severe weather conditions in all of its service territories due to a major rainstorm passing through the region tonight and tomorrow.
According to the most recent forecasts, as much as 3-5 inches of rain are possible, as are wind gusts in excess of 40 miles per hour during the peak hours of the storm. Such severe weather can cause scattered electrical outages. While most interruptions are for relatively short intervals, substantial damage to the electrical system can extend the restoration period.
“The wind gusts are of concern in part because it is still early in the fall season and leaves are still on the trees,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “Leaves can catch the wind and act as a sail, helping to pull a tree over, especially when the ground is soft from water saturation.”
Unitil is currently monitoring the storm closely and is advising its customers to prepare for the potential of outages. We recommend checking and making an inventory of the following items:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- A battery-operated radio and clock
- Bottled water, canned foods and a manual can opener
- A list of important phone numbers and a car charger for cell phones if applicable
- A first aid kit.
Customers experiencing outages should call the following toll-free numbers:
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For the NH Seacoast Area: 800-582-7276
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For the NH Capital Area: 800-852-3339
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For Massachusetts: 888-301-7700
