Widespread Power Outages Possible, Power Companies Prepare

Power companies are preparing to tackle widespread power outages as a wicked storm is expected to hit Southern New England hard.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for nearly the entire region throughout Monday. Wind gusts between 55-75 miles per hour are being forecast — and not just in the usual coastal areas. The NWS said thunderstorms and heavy downpours will accompany the brutal wind.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the NWS said in its warning. "Widespread power outages are expected."

These first major outages of the coronavirus crisis could prove more than inconvenient. Most people are isolated in their homes, with thousands more in hospitals across the region as the surge of COVID-19 cases inches closer.

Power companies tried Sunday to assure customers they are up to the task.

"We’re ready to respond under our COVID19 pandemic plan to restore any customers impacted," Eversource tweeted.

National Grid tweeted: "RI/MA customers, our crews are prepared for the severe weather expected to hit the region tomorrow."

Patch will have the latest updates on power outages, weather, coronavirus and everything else local throughout the day.