Strong Winds Friday Could Cause Power Outages

Winds could gust to 50 miles per hour on Friday, taking down small tree limbs and branches that could cause power outages, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned in a statement posted at 4:30 a.m.

A wind advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. until midnight on Friday; wind advisories are issued when sustained winds are forecast to be 31 to 39 miles per hour or with gusts ranging between 46 and 57 miles per hour.

The NWS said southern New England will see sustained winds blowing 20 to 30 miles per hour to the southwest on Friday, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

"Winds will increase through the morning with the strongest winds during the afternoon and evening," the wind advisory read. "Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possibly causing isolated power outages. Driving can also be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

In a press release, National Grid said that the company currently has additional crews available for deployment to key areas of its service territory in case of any power outages resulting from the high winds. National Grid also provided the following tips regarding power outages:

• Winds, icing and heavy wet snow can cause local electrical service interruptions. It’s a good idea to have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home.

• People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a National Grid life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Contact Center at 1-800-322-3223.

• Post National Grid’s emergency outage reporting number, 1-800-465-1212, near your telephone so it will be handy if needed.

• People should consider any downed wire they see to be live and dangerous. If you see any fallen lines, broken poles or trees touching wires, please contact the company.

• Customers with generators should be sure to install them outside to avoid deadly carbon monoxide. Open windows are inadequate for safely ventilating a generator. To ensure safety, operate generators only outdoors. Before installing generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel.

• National Grid urges motorists to use extreme caution when driving near utility crews at work. 

• National Grid provides real-time outage information, including the option to report an outage at www.nationalgridus.com in the Outage Central section of the company website. 

Important Johnston Phone Numbers:

In case of power outages, downed trees or emergencies:

• Police/Fire Emergencies: 911
• non-emergency: (401) 231-4210
• non-emergency: (401) 351-1600
• National Grid power outages: (800) 465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: (800) 233-5325
• Cox Communications: (877) 206-4210
• Comcast: (800) 266-2278
• Verizon: (800) 837-4966 (VERIZON)