Crews work to restore power across New Hampshire, multi-day process expected – WMUR Manchester

Saturday’s winter storm is kept utility companies in the state quite busy this weekend, and it will likely remain that way for until Tuesday in some areas.>> Download the FREE WMUR appAs of 1 p.m. on Sunday, approximately 40,500 power outages remain across the state. According to officials at one point more than 61,000 outages were reported.Power restoration for parts of the state could last into Tuesday evening. Those without power were encouraged by officials to update their family emergency plan in case conditions warrant seeking warm shelter elsewhere. >> View updated New Hampshire power outage mapsThe pandemic might also delay some restoration times. “This is the first big snowstorm of the season,” Jennifer Harper, director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said.”Everyone is encouraged to take time to prepare in case your family needs to find alternative housing,” Harper said. “Have a plan so you know what to do and where to go should temperatures in your home get too cold.”The state’s emergency operations center has been activated since the beginning of the pandemic, and this weekend, it will shift some of its focus to the storm.”We’re available if any of the communities need anything. They know how to get in touch with us,” Harper said. “We have been in contact with the power crews and the utility companies. They have brought in more crews to assist with outages.””We’re expecting to see outages all night and into the morning hours so long as that snow continues,” Alec O’Meara, of Unitil, said.More than 60 Unitil crews were deployed to restore power to some 3,000 customers.”The big thing we’re seeing right now is a lot of motor vehicle accidents on our system. We’ve had a couple that have caused outages,” O’Meara said.At one point, the storm cut power to more than 35,000 Eversource customers. “That heavy, wet snow is really the biggest issue accumulating on the tree branches and power lines,” Kaitlyn Woods, of Eversource, said. Eversource has more than 500 line, tree and service workers positioned throughout the state. Company officials warned COVID-19 protocols may lead to longer restoration times. “We’re practicing social distancing. Crews are wearing masks. It is more challenging conditions that they’re working under,” Woods said.Utility company officials said that possible delay is all the more reason why residents should have a “go bag” ready with flash lights, batteries and resources they will need if they do lose power. Customers are reminded to report outages to their utility provider at least once daily until power is restored:Eversource: 1-800-662-7764Liberty Utilities: 1-855-349-9455NH Electric Co-Op: 1-800-343-6432Unitil: 1-888-301-7700