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Hurricane Lee Impacts Expected Beginning Friday, September 15, 2023 - Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Posted on: September 14, 2023 - 10:40am
Aerial image of a hurricane with text: hurricane lee information

The National Weather Service is predicting Hurricane Lee will be hitting New England, and more specifically the southern coast of Maine beginning Friday, September 15, 2023 with the worst impacts of the storm occurring Saturday, September 16, 2023.  At this time, a few inches of rainfall, high winds, storm surge and coastal flooding are expected.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves against the potential impacts of the storm. Please see below for important safety reminders and closure information to assist you with preparing for Hurricane Lee:

Pepperrell Cove
Dinghies currently tied up to the docks at Pepperrell Cove must be removed by 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2023 in order for the Harbormaster to complete storm preparations.  Failure to remove dinghies could result in loss of mooring privileges and/or fines.
 
Those with boats moored in the water should check their vessels to ensure they are tied down and all loose items are secured.
 
Due to expected storm surge, the Pepperrell Cove pier and parking lot will be closed to the public at 8:00 PM on Friday, September 15, 2023 for the duration of the storm.
 
Fort Foster & Seapoint Beach
The public is encouraged to stay away from beaches and piers due to potential storm surge and coastal flooding.  Accessing these sites increases the risk of injury or need for rescue if you are stranded or swept out with the waves. 
 
Our public safety personnel will be actively addressing storm impacts all over town during this storm.  By staying away from highly-impacted, risky areas, you can help make their jobs significantly easier.
 
At Home
Check that your emergency kit includes supplies needed for a few days without power - including food, water, pet necessities and medications. 
 
Make sure windows and doors are securely closed.
 
Charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
 
Secure all loose items outside of homes - store away outdoor furniture, secure away trash barrels, outdoor tables and chairs, flags, fire pits, and umbrellas.  
 
Top off generators – downed power lines are likely with this storm.  Be prepared by topping off fuel in generators before the storm hits.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation and make sure the generator is not being operated indoors.  For information about CMP power outages, please click here.
 

Contact Public Safety Dispatch at 207-439-1638 if you see:

Downed trees – the significant rainfall this summer has saturated the ground making trees more susceptible to falling from high winds. Call if you see a downed tree along the road that may impede evacuations or Fire and Police access.

Downed Power Lines – never touch a downed line, even if you think it is not a power line, or is not charged or “live”.  Kittery Fire and CMP will assess downed lines and determine how to safely move them.

Flooded Roads – a number of Kittery roads are frequently impacted by storm surge and flooding.  Obey all traffic safety advisories and do not try to travel roads that have been marked ‘closed”.

Stay Informed
For continued updates regarding the weather conditions, please visit the National Weather Service’s website by clicking here.
 
If you’d like to receive emergency alerts, consider signing up for York County’s official emergency notification system, RAVE. This free service allows individuals to sign up for notifications sent from state and local authorities. You can create a profile to list your family’s specific needs and the ability to opt-in for text, voice, and/or email alerts:
 
  • Sign up by visiting the RAVE/Smart911 site by clicking here.
  • Or text YorkCountyAlerts to 226787

Additional Safety Information:

Learn about the differences between watches and warnings, how to prepare, and what to do during and after severe weather with information from the National Weather Service:
 
  • For more details on how you can be prepared for a hurricane, please click here.
  • For all official forecast details, please refer to the latest National Hurricane Center forecasts for Hurricane Lee which can be found by clicking here.
Additional resources and information can be found by visiting the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s website by clicking here.
 
Stay Safe Everyone
Please take the necessary precautions to keep yourselves safe during Hurricane Lee, and consider checking on neighbors that may be at risk.  The Town of Kittery Public Safety staff will be on-call for the duration of the storm and working tirelessly to keep our community members safe.