Periods of rain and wind, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, have caused multiple trees and wires to fall, briefly closing roads in multiple Midcoast towns until firefighters, Public Works, and Central Maine Power crews can clear the hazards.

Towns hit hardest midday include Hope, Warren, Lincolnville, Washington, Appleton, Friendship, and Cushing.

Tuesday municipal statements:

Update (9:30 a.m.) State Offices will remain closed all day Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to allow time for power restoration and road clean-up following Monday’s storm. However, the Burton M. Cross Office Building, located at 111 Sewall Street in Augusta, will be closed all day, Tuesday, December 19, 2023 to remove scaffolding damaged during Monday’s storm. Initially, the offices were expected to reopen at noon.

The Knox County Administrative Offices, Knox County Superior Court, and Rockland District Court will open at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday December 19 , 2023 due to the inclement weather. 

RSU 13 is closed for a second day due to power and phone outages.

Monday municipal statements:

The Islesboro Transfer Station will be closed Monday, December 18 unless power is restored by 11 a.m. It will reopen Tuesday the 19th in the morning until Noon if power is on.

Maine State offices will close early today Monday, December 18, at 1 p.m., due to the windstorm. Governor Mills strongly urges all Maine people to drive cautiously when making their way home.

The Lincolnville Town Office will close early today, Monday, December 18, at 3 p.m. The Town Office will re-open at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday (Please call ahead just to make sure). Crews (Town, State & CMP) are out removing trees. If you are faced with a life threatening emergency call 911.  If you must drive, please drive cautiously.

The Searsport Town Office is closed for the afternoon due to the storm - Monday, December 18. The Carver Memorial Library will close at 1 p.m. today due to the storm. High winds and rain are predicted to increase over the afternoon hours. Expect power outages. The Town Office and State of Maine is closing all offices as well. Please limit unnecessary travel and be safe. 

Due to inclement weather and Board member unanticipated absences, the December 18, 2023 Select Board Meeting in St. George has been cancelled. The next select Board meeting will be held on January 8, 2024, at 7 p.m.

The Stormwater Utility presentation Special Council Meeting in Rockland has been canceled for tonight, 12/18/23 and will be rescheduled. 

Maine Forest Service provides the following storm cleanup advisory:

In the aftermath of severe weather, residents across Maine come together to restore power, clear debris, and get their lives back to normal. While safety and recovery are top priorities, it's crucial to remember that everyone involved in storm cleanup can play a vital role in keeping Maine's forests healthy and resilient. 

After power and other utilities have been restored, property owners often face the challenge of what to do with storm-damaged trees. To assist with this, Project Canopy, a Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and Maine Forest Service (MFS) program, offers valuable guidance and helpful tips to property owners with questions about handling downed trees, limbs, and branches. 

Trees and Branches Around Homes and Power Lines: 

• Homeowners are encouraged to promptly address downed trees and branches, especially those affecting homes and power lines.  
• For trees entangled with power lines, it is essential to contact local power companies for assistance. Even if a fallen limb is not near power or utility wires, it's advisable to rely on professionals to assess the extent of the damage before attempting repairs or removal. 
• For trees or large branches threatening or impacting homes or businesses, enlist the help of a reputable licensed arborist to take care of cleanup.

Injured Trees Requiring Climbing or Chainsaw Work: 

• In cases where storm-damaged trees require climbing or chainsaw work, homeowners are urged to work with licensed arborists. Arborists are trained tree care professionals with the skills to evaluate and rectify storm-damaged trees. They can determine how much of a tree can or should be salvaged.  
• Beware of fly-by-night emergency tree-cutting services, and always request proof of licensing, insurance, and references. The Maine DACF Division of Animal and Plant Health Arborist Program provides more information about working with arborists. 

Protecting Maine's Forests: 

The Maine Forest Service stresses that woody debris from storm damage may harbor harmful insects or diseases that threaten our forests. Transporting this debris over long distances can unintentionally spread pests to new areas.  

• In addition to the risks it brings to our environment and economy, violation of rules governing debris movement jeopardizes eligibility for federal aid in the event of a disaster declaration.

• Please be aware of quarantine regulations that may impact the movement of some woody storm debris, such as ash trees within the Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Area, larch from areas within the European Larch Canker quarantine, and hemlock branch or top material from regions within the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid quarantine. 
• Severe storms can also reveal the presence of invasive forest pests like the Asian longhorned beetle or hemlock woolly adelgid. If you suspect damage from such pests, take photos and share them with the MFS to aid in pest management efforts. 

Storm Preparedness Resources: 

In addition to responsible storm cleanup, being prepared for future storms is vital. Here are some resources to help you stay informed and ready: 

• Maine.Gov Alerts: Subscribe for storm warnings, bulletins, and other urgent updates. 
• FEMA and MEMA: Connect with county and local emergency management contacts and stay updated via social media. 
• Small Business Administration (SBA): Find guidance and support for businesses before and after emergency events. 
• Maine Prepares Resources: Explore home, business, and community emergency planning.