National Grid Ramping Up for Winter Storm Toby

Company Urges Safety Ahead of Intense Nor’easter Predicted to Bring Heavy Snow and High Winds

March 20, 2018 - WALTHAM, Mass. - National Grid is preparing for yet another powerful Nor’easter forecasted to arrive in New England tomorrow and linger into Thursday morning. Winter Storm Toby is expected to pass close to the New England coastline and bring heavy snow and wind gusts of 45-55 MPH that could cause possible power outages.

“As the fourth Nor’easter in the month of March, it’s likely safe to say that many have grown weary of winter weather,” said Marcy Reed, Chief of Business Operations, National Grid. “It’s our job to be prepared for anything, and once again, we have mobilized additional crews and equipment resources to respond to any power outages. We are urging our customers to prepare as well.”

National Grid is continuously monitoring the storm and communicating with local officials, first responders and life support customers, as part of the company’s pre-storm planning efforts. In Massachusetts, nearly 200 external crews will be prepared to supplement the company’s more than 150 internal crews once conditions are safe to do so. The company has also secured more than 150 tree crews for Massachusetts.

We are keeping safety a priority:

We urge customers to watch out for their own wellbeing and the safety of utility crews working during the storm. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe:

• Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
• Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
• People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.
• Report power outages at nationalgridus.com/OutageCentral or call: 1-800-465-1212. Reminder: It’s not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe.

We are updating our Customers:

• Receive text message alerts and updates when you text the word STORM to NGRID (64743).
• Use your mobile device to track outage information and storm-related safety tips through National Grid’s mobile site accessible at ngrid.com/mobile.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates.
• Track outages and ETRs at nationalgridus.com/outage-central.