RI Energy Warns of Potential Power Outages Due to Remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole

RI Energy Warns of Potential Power Outages Due to Remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole

Rhode Island Energy said on Friday that is "prepared for severe weather" expected to hit its service territory tonight and into Saturday morning.

The storm is expected to bring strong winds, significant rainfall and the potential for thunderstorms across much of Rhode Island.

Current forecasts indicate the storm could cause damage to the electrical system, with heavy winds creating tree damage and possible power outages.

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Winds may exceed 45 mph.

 

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“We prepare for storms year-round, so that when the time comes to put our plans into action, we are ready with a safe and efficient response,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. “We’ve secured additional crews in advance of the storm, and we will be coordinating our response with state agencies and municipalities across Rhode Island to address potential outages.”

 

The National Weather Service Forecasts:

Friday Night

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 8 pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog before 7 pm. Low around 64. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday
Showers likely, mainly before 10 am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South wind 9 to 14 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday Night
A chance of showers, mainly after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low of around 45. West wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday
A chance of showers, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
 

Rhode Island Energy Has Additional 400 Line and Forestry Workers

The company says that "1,100 employees will be ready to provide both field-based and back-office emergency response operations across the region. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires-down, transmission, substation, municipal liasons and call center staff."

RI Energy said it has also "secured close to 400 additional external line and forestry workers to assist with the effort. Crews will be in place and ready to respond throughout the night and through the weekend."

The company has been preparing for the storm throughout the week and is continuing to monitor the potential track. In the meantime, it said it is offering the following tips and reminders:   

 

Customers Should Stay Connected:  

Report power outages at RIEnergy.com or call 855-743-1102.
Track outages and estimated restoration times online at: www.rienergy.com/RI-Home/outage-central/.
Sign up for alerts. To stay connected and receive outage updates text REG to RIEOUT (743688).

Once registered, to report an outage, text OUT
To check the status of your outage, text STAT

 

Stay Safe: 

If you encounter a downed wire at any time, assume it’s energized and stay away. If you see one, report it immediately to RIE or your local emergency response organization. 
Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. 
People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let us know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-855-743-1101. 
Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.   
Make sure your mobile devices are fully charged.

 

Electric Safety:

If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors.
Before operating generators, disconnect from RIE’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public. 
If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. 
Just in case you lose power, it’s good to have an emergency kit on hand with food, water, medication, and any pet supplies you may need.
Remember that candles can start fires. If you lose power, use flashlights instead.
For your safety and ours, please keep a safe distance from our crews.