FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is preparing for potential service interruptions caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring heavy rains and gusty winds to Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia starting Friday.
A video playlist featuring utility personnel discussing the impact of wind storms on equipment and restoration efforts is available on YouTube.
Company meteorologists have been tracking the storm for several days. The system is anticipated to bring heavy rain with amounts ranging from 1-3 inches across most of FirstEnergy's service territory in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, as well as eastern West Virginia. Central and eastern Pennsylvania and most of Maryland could see higher amounts between 3-5 inches. Some areas in central Pennsylvania may experience localized rainfall exceeding five inches, raising concerns about flash flooding.
Wind gusts are expected to reach 25-35 mph, with isolated gusts up to 40 mph in Met-Ed's eastern Pennsylvania and Jersey Central Power & Light's (JCP&L) New Jersey service territories. Peak winds are forecasted between noon and 7:00 p.m., potentially mixing with periods of heavy rain. Isolated thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 55 mph or even an isolated tornado are possible Friday afternoon and evening in JCP&L's New Jersey service area.
Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, stated: "The arrival of Debby's remnants on the heels of the heavy rains and severe weather earlier this week presents challenges for our crews. Soft, saturated ground makes it easier for trees to fall without strong wind gusts. While we invest in our electric system throughout the year to keep power flowing to customers in all weather conditions, this combination carries the potential for power outages. We are closely monitoring this system and remain committed to taking every necessary step to ensure safe and prompt restoration of electric service for our customers."
FirstEnergy's electric companies are implementing storm response plans that include:
- Implementing 16-hour shifts for storm personnel with around-the-clock coverage.
- Staffing additional internal operators, damage assessors, and analysts at distribution control centers.
- Deploying additional contractor crews including over 275 line workers and foresters in Pennsylvania and more than 150 in New Jersey.
- Testing flood mitigation measures at substations in flood-prone areas.
- Contacting emergency management officials about storm preparation efforts.
Safety remains a top priority for FirstEnergy. Sustained winds above 40 miles per hour can hinder bucket truck operations while saturated soil and flooding can create hazardous conditions for repair crews.
After major weather events, hundreds or thousands of damage locations such as broken poles or downed power lines are common. FirstEnergy prioritizes clearing hazards like downed lines before assessing damage sites for repairs.
Customers experiencing service interruptions due to the storm can report outages by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or visiting firstenergycorp.com/outages.
FirstEnergy encourages customers to prepare by keeping electronic devices charged, having a car charger handy, maintaining a supply of bottled water if using a water well pump, stocking convenience foods that do not require cooking, keeping a flashlight ready with extra batteries, tuning into local radio stations for updates during outages, considering having a hard-wired phone available for emergencies or outage reports.
For more information on safety tips during outages or updates on current outages visit FirstEnergy’s Power Center at firstenergycorp.com/outages.
FirstEnergy serves customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York through its extensive transmission network spanning approximately 24,000 miles connecting Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
News Media Contacts:
Chris Hoenig – JCP&L: (609) 350-8599
Todd Meyers – West Penn Power/Penelec/Met-Ed/Penn Power: (724) 838-6650
Will Boye – Mon Power/Potomac Edison: (301) 790-6420
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