BREAKING NEWS: Cruise ships begin cancellations ahead of Hurricane Lee

Utility warns of damage to grid caused by downed trees

BAR HARBOR, Sept. 13, 2023 - Five cruise ships with a carrying capacity exceeding 11,000 passengers have canceled their visits through Saturday because of Hurricane Lee.

One ship, NORWEGIAN PEARL, with 2376 lower berths, is still scheduled to arrive Thursday, said harbormaster Chris Wharff.

The canceled visits are:

13 SEP - NORWEGIAN ESCAPE 4,266 guests

14 SEP - AMERICAN EAGLE 200

14 Sep - VISTA 1,250 guests

16 SEP - NORWEGIAN PEARL 2,376 guests

16 Sep - CARIBBEAN PRINCESS, 3,110 guests

No cruise ships were scheduled for Sunday.

Crews were removing town floats and ramps from the harbor today. The harbormaster boat was moved to Northeast Harbor. Wharff is hoping the counter-clockwise cyclone will stay east of the island so the wind and rain will not be as severe as a direct hit from the south.

Maine harbormasters use this site for forecasts. The latest has winds gusting up to 40 knots Friday night from the northeast, and up to 60 knots from the north on Saturday, and subsiding from the northwest and west on Sunday.

The National Weather Service offices in Caribou and Gray, in coordination with the National Hurricane Center, reported the storm is predicted to slowly weaken to a Category 1 storm and eventually downgrade to a tropical storm as it makes landfall. Tropical storm force winds, coastal flooding and high surf, and riverine flooding are all possible impacts from the storm.

Central Maine Power raised concerns about the health of Maine trees following the heavy rainfall received this summer and the impacts on the electric grid during this storm. The heavy rainfall has increased soil saturation, flooding, and nutrient runoff that has led to weakened or rotted root systems. CMP has said that, depending on Hurricane Lee’s track and the strength of storm winds, Maine could see worsened impacts to the power grid because of trees fall or losing limbs.

Maine Emergency Management Agency recommended:

• Check that your emergency kit includes supplies needed for several days without power, including food, water, and hand sanitizer. Also consider medications, pet food or other special needs.

• Get the latest alerts and warnings on your smartphone by downloading the free FEMA app or National Weather Service app.

• Ensure cell phones are enabled to receive National Weather Service Wireless Emergency Alerts for tornadoes, flash flooding and other emergency situations.

• Charge cell phones and other electronic devices.

• Determine local evacuation routes.

• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

• Ensure generators are properly installed, fueled, and in good working order.

Preparations for mariners:

• Mariners should listen to weather forecasts and plan ahead.

• Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and waves.

• Haul out your boat if possible and secure it or add additional lines in advance of a hurricane.

• Secure electronic position indicating radio beacons. If unsecured, an EPIRB can break free from a boat and trigger an emergency signal to the Coast Guard.

• Contact local marinas to ask for advice about securing a vessel.

• Ensure boating gear is properly stowed or tied down to avoid causing unnecessary searches by the Coast Guard and other first responders. Life jackets, life rafts and small non-powered vessels are some examples of boating equipment often found adrift following severe weather.

• Beachgoers should heed warnings from local lifeguards and weather services in regards to the approaching storm. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms or hurricanes.

• Label and secure your paddlecraft. Storms can cause unsecured paddlecraft to break loose, which will result in search and rescue cases. If gear and craft are labeled properly, search and rescue coordinators can reach out quickly to see if an individual was in distress.

To prepare for a power outage:

• Find Alternate Power Sources. Plan for batteries and alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Remember, never use a generator indoors.

• Appliances. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Food Storage. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. A refrigerator will keep food cold for four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. If you are in doubt, monitor temperatures with a thermometer and throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.

• Know Your Medical Needs. If you rely on electricity for any medical needs, make a power outage plan for medical devices or refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.

• Cleanup. After power and other utilities have been restored, you might face the issue of what to do with storm-damaged trees. Maine Forest Service offers tips and helpful guidance for those faced with questions about what to do with downed trees, limbs, and branches.