UPDATE: National Grid Says There's Only a 'Possibility' of Power Outages

[Update at 12:54 p.m.]

National Grid says residents should not expect to lose power today or Friday, but there's the possibility of some outages. 

"There's the possibility, but residents should not expect it," said David Graves, spokesman for National Grid. 

On Wednesday, the Portsmouth Fire Department sent out a press statement asking residents to prepare for the possibility of power outages on Thursday and Friday. 

The Portsmouth Fire Department received a notice from National Grid on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The probability of a power outage has been classified at “low," however, towns are warning residents to be ready. 

ISO New England, a provider of electricity to National Grid, has communicated to National Grid that there is a supply shortage.  

This shortage has been caused by area power plants being out of service.

National Grid customers should make every effort to minimize electricity usage for the next two days.

Those individuals in good health and without special circumstances should avoid using air conditioning during the upcoming hot weather. Decreased use of electricity will make a loss of electricity less likely.

People who use electrically powered oxygen machines should make preparation to use backup oxygen cylinders.

People may contact the Portsmouth Fire Department with emergency issues caused by the power outages.

Call 911 or (401) 683-1155 in the event of an emergency only. 

Residents are also asked to use caution when driving in the event traffic lights go out. Residents should also use caution when using candles. 

National Grid will provide updates on this situation as it develops. Check back with Patch on Thursday and Friday for further information as it's made available.