Power companies say they're ready for severe storms

Electric companies were preparing for potential severe thunderstorms on Tuesday night. While the brunt of bad weather was expected in the North Country, the Lakes Region is facing a threat.

“We’ve been monitoring the weather, and the forecast does call for some potential for very strong storms,” Colin Manning, spokesperson for New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, said Tuesday afternoon.

Hunter Tubbs, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said Tuesday afternoon there was a threat for severe storms in the area.

“The highest threat is a little more north, but that isn’t to say that Laconia is out of the woods,” Tubbs said.

There were predictions of “locally damaging winds and hail,” and gusts more than 70 mph. The highest risk was expected between 8 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday.

Tubbs said the scenario is interesting, and rare, because the threat is higher after sunset. This increases the danger, because people are typically sleeping. He recommends always having a way to receive alerts and information, in case power goes out.

Tubbs said the thunderstorms are coming down from Canada, and could gather strength as they approach New Hampshire.

“It’s a good setup for storms to continue being strong after daytime,” Tubbs said. “It’s pretty rare for here, but in this case, the atmosphere is supportive to maintain the storm’s strength.”

Tornadoes could come through New Hampshire. This isn’t the first time recently there has been such a threat. Just before the summer, on June 18, the entire Granite State was under a tornado watch. High winds caused damage throughout the region. The National Weather Service reported a microburst was suspected in Tuftonboro. A tornado was not confirmed locally, but multiple touched down in Vermont.

“There is a tornado threat, but that is further north, but it’s not to say one isn’t possible down this way,” Tubbs said Tuesday. “All severe hazards are possible.”

NHEC preparations

Manning said NHEC was moving resources to areas that could be hardest hit, ensuring extra crews were in place if needed. Internal crews can move to different districts, and contracted crews will be available.

When planning ahead, the company ensures proper personnel will be available. The northern part of the state was the main focus, to make sure supplies and personnel were there, in case of downed trees and wires.

The Co-op updates the website with power outages and other information, and Manning suggested people check social media for tips. As a prime time of year for camping, Manning also said people should have a plan to seek shelter if needed, and have the ability to receive alerts.

“We are in place,” Manning said Tuesday. “We are ready. Our control center is open 24/7, and watching the forecast closely and the radar.”

NHEC staff has been monitoring reports from the National Weather Service.

“This is the time of year we’re in,” Manning said. “Hot, humid days, and these storms could pop up at a moment’s notice. So we’re watching very closely.”

Eversource is ready

Eversource's distribution system also serves NHEC customers, and on July 2, a tree came down on a transmission line in Center Harbor, which caused thousands of people to lose power during the last heat wave. Eversource spokesperson Bill Hinkle said this has all been remedied, and there should be no issues pertaining to that line.

Like NHEC, Eversource has been constantly monitoring the forecast and outage prediction models.

“We’re keeping a close eye leading up to this incoming weather,” Hinkle said.

In preparation, Eversource cancelled any pre-planned work on the system. Additional crews were also brought in, and positioned strategically.

“There is the potential for damaging thunderstorms in most areas of the state, but with that said, we predominantly focused on additional crews in the northern regions, as well as the Lakes Region,” Hinkle said.

Based on forecasts, he said these are likely the two areas with the highest risk of damaging storms. 

He said crews will be available in all regions, as they need to maintain flexibility, in case the storm gets worse in other parts of the state.

“Meteorology is not always an exact science,” Hinkle said.

Eversource has invested in distribution automation technology, and a system operations center is capable of isolating damage and rerouting power to minimize impact to customers. This is all done remotely, and can lead to quicker power restoration.

In the Lakes Region, Eversource will have “dozens” of distribution bucket truck crews, supported and complemented by tree crews and vegetation management. The first priority, Hinkle said, is addressing safety, and working closely with communities. This includes knowledge of the roads, and if any are blocked, so crews can properly assess damage.

“We have damage assessors who are the first on the scene, who will assess damage and the type of crew needed to address it,” Hinkle said. “A lot goes into it, and a lot of personnel is needed to be able to stage a restoration effort.”

Hinkle said if anyone comes across a downed wire, always assume it is live, stay as far away as possible, and call 911. Reporting downed wires, and power outages, is vital to electricity restoration.

Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert said Tuesday afternoon his department was monitoring the potential for storm, but preparation was “pretty typical,” with no increase of staffing. The department can call for additional coverage if storms cause major disruptions.

Wednesday is predicted to be calmer and a little cooler. Tubbs said it looks like temperatures will be in the mid-80s. The sky on Tuesday had a yellow tint in Laconia, and Tubbs said this was because of the Ontario wildfires, sending smoke down the jet stream, causing temperatures to be cooler.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service at forecast.weather.gov.

To report a power outage to Eversource, call 800-662-7764.