TOWN OF WELLS Wells, Maine
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PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT
September 15, 2023
Hurricane Lee Update
The Town of Wells, along with York County EMA and MEMA are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Lee and are coordinating with our public safety officials, local emergency management officials, and Public Works officials in advance of the storm. Here is what we know about Hurricane Lee so far:
- Lee has shifted east, and has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane. However, we will still be greatly impacted.
- Dangerous coastal conditions are expected to begin tonight, with erosion and possible minor inundation beginning Friday night. The periods of greatest concern for erosion and inundation are the Friday and Saturday high tide cycles.
- Potential for Tropical Storm force winds and coastal erosion exists for the Coast, with the potential for heavy rainfall across all of Eastern Maine.
- Impacts from winds and heavy rainfall may be enhanced by wet soils from rainfall earlier this week.
- Wind gusts are expected to be over 50 mph along the coast.
- Coastal erosion is most likely Saturday morning, leading into high tide, with the highest wave forecast
- Tree damage and power outages are possible, with the greatest impacts Saturday afternoon and evening.
Knowing the potential severity of the storm, the Town of Wells would like to make the following recommendations to ensure public safety.
- Check that your emergency kit includes supplies needed for several days without power. We recommend having high quality, high protein, shelf stable snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, flashlights, and first aid kits.
- Download the free FEMA app or National Weather Service app to make sure you are getting the latest alerts and warnings on your smartphone.
- 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, lawn chairs and anything else that is not tied down.
- Clear storm drains and gutters.
- Ensure generators are properly installed, fueled, and in good working order.
Thank you for your cooperation during this unexpected weather event. We ask that you stay off the roads when possible during critical times due to potential downed power lines, fallen trees and flooded roads. We will continue to keep you updated as the storm progresses.
The full Press Release can be found here: /DocumentCenter/View/5537