US2 min(s) read
One straightforward instruction has been given to over 60 million Americans as a powerful storm is expected to plunge the East Coast into darkness over the weekend.
The nor’easter will bring severe weather conditions to a huge swathe of the country. From Virginia to Maine, people are preparing for a powerful storm that will cause heavy rainfall, huge waves, coastal flooding, and high winds.
While the worst of the nor’easter is expected to hit New England, 61 million Americans across the nation have been warned to prepare for major power cuts.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said: “Many trees still have their leaves, which catch more wind and place additional strain on their roots, further increasing the risk for trees to come down and may also increase the number of power outages as compared to similar storms.”
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency urged residents to ensure they have enough medication and food for the next three days.
They have also been advised to restock their emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, flashlights, and batteries. In case of a major emergency, people have been instructed to charge their phones and other electrical devices to enable them to stay up to date with emergency alerts.
Another tip officials have given is to put fridges and freezers on the coldest setting, in hopes that it could prevent food from spoiling if the electricity cuts out.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said: “Our top priority is keeping people safe, and Massachusetts is prepared for this storm.
“It isn’t often we see nor’easters this early in the fall, but our teams are closely monitoring the forecast, coordinating with local officials and ready to respond quickly to support communities before, during and after the storm.”
As the area is expected to see strong winds on Saturday, PSEG Long Island, an electric utility company, said it is prepared to respond safely to any reported outages over the weekend.
A PSEG spokesperson told CBS New York affiliate WCBS-TV: “We continue to monitor this weather system and have performed system and logistic checks to ensure any customers who may be affected will have their power restored safely and as quickly as possible.”
