The Maine Emergency Management Agency held a conference call this afternoon with the National Weather Service and operational partners throughout the State.
The National Weather Service reports that although Hurricane Sandy will likely turn ashore somewhere in the mid-Atlantic States, the storm is very large and therefore the effects of the outer bands of the storm will be felt here. The intensity of the effects will depend on the position of the storm as it turns inland. The NWS stressed that this is still an extremely complex system to forecast, and all interests should pay close attention to updated information as the storm approaches.
It appears likely that Maine will experience dangerously strong winds, heavy rains, high surf and potential coastal erosion starting Monday, into Tuesday. Immediate concerns during this time are downed trees and power lines, and the potential for flash flooding and coastal splashover and erosion. Wind speeds and the magnitude of other specific hazards will depend on Sandy's evolving track.
The rain will then linger for several days, bringing the risk of high stream flows and localized flooding.
The first and most important step for everyone, says MEMA Director Rob McAleer, is to stay informed. "Pay close attention to the latest weather forecasts and warnings for your area, " McAleer said. "This is a very complex weather system, and with every NWS forecast cycle we learn more. The first step to staying safe is to stay tuned."
With the potential for widespread power outages, Governor Paul R. LePage has signed a limited Emergency Declaration that will allow power crews from other states and/or Canada to help Maine prepare for the storm. The declaration will help Maine power providers pre-place their crews by extending the hours their crews can drive.
"County and local emergency managers, first responders and utility companies are getting ready for a serious storm" McAleer said. "But we all can take steps to make sure we can weather the storm."
##Before the storm:
* Stay tuned to [updated NWS advisories](http://www.maineprepares.com) to make sure you're aware of potential dangers (a [NOAA weather radio](http://www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/prep_display.shtml?163571)is a great way to stay informed no matter where you are). * Before the storm, check on your emergency supplies such as batteries, water, food and medications. * Check on neighbors, relatives and friends who might need help getting ready for the storm, or cleaning up after it. * Check in with family in areas where the storm might hit harder. Ensure that you know how to contact each other quickly. Text messaging is a great way to get quick "I'm okay" messages through. * For marine interests: NWS advises paying close attention to forecasts, and consider removing boats from the water this weekend, before the storm.
##During and after the storm:
* Respect any local access restrictions to flooded areas, beach and shoreline areas or roadways blocked by fallen trees or power lines. * Stay away from any downed power lines and report them to your electric utility. * If you lose power, use generators and alternate heat sources safely. Generators should only be set up outdoors, at least 15 feet away from doors and windows. MEMA joins the National Weather Service and all operational partners in urging the utmost caution as this complicated storm system brings its hazards to Maine.
For more information about disaster preparedness and safety, visit [Maine Prepares](http://www.maineprepares.com).
You can also sign up for e-mail alerts of severe weather, emergency news of all kinds, traffic alerts and more via [MEMA and Maine.gov's subscription service](http://www.maine.gov/mema/mema_subscribe.shtml).
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