Debby Forecasted to Bring Possible Flooding and Strong Gusty Winds to Vermont This Afternoon and Tonight,...

COLCHESTER, Vt. - Green Mountain Power (GMP) is urging customers to prioritize safety and stay alert to changing weather conditions starting this afternoon as Post Tropical Cyclone Debby heads to Vermont. Heavy rain and gusty winds are forecasted to arrive later today and exit the state overnight. In addition to flooding, winds are elevated throughout the state, including in the Champlain Valley and along the western slopes of the Green Mountains. The winds and the precipitation are expected to cause damage and outages. GMP tracks multiple forecasts days ahead of severe weather and, in addition to the GMP team, has expanded its field force in advance in order to respond as quickly as safely possible.

"The ground is already saturated from multiple severe storms this summer and that could make trees more vulnerable to strong winds," said Mike Burke, GMP's vice president of operations. "Safety is key for customers with this storm and there will be changing conditions in your area, so please be alert and plan ahead. Travel could be difficult, especially tonight with possible rising waters," Burke said.

GMP is reminding customers to stay far away from downed lines and trees at all times and to report any downed lines or other issues. GMP offers these further safety reminders for before, during, and after storms:

• Pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions
• Keep your phone charged
• Have flashlights with fresh batteries, water and non-perishable food handy
• Stay far away from any downed lines
• Always assume downed lines and trees are energized - you cannot tell by looking at them
• Call GMP to report downed lines
• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Call Vermont 211 for help with emergency housing and more

More storm preparation and safety tips are available on GMP's website.

Using the GMP app is a convenient way to report outages, track restoration, and manage your GMP account. Signing up for GMP Text Alerts sends storm and restoration updates to your cellphone. You can also report outages through the Outage Center on GMP's website or call 888-835-4672.

Extreme weather conditions and storms are growing increasingly common in Vermont and GMP has been working proactively by rapidly (1) undergrounding lines in many areas, (2) storm-hardening above ground lines with stronger cables, and (3) expanding energy storage, microgrids and resiliency zones.

About Green Mountain Power

Green Mountain Power serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers in Vermont with electricity that's 100% carbon free and 80% renewable on an annual basis. GMP is partnering with customers to provide solutions that deliver resiliency and affordability while cutting carbon and costs for all. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP was named to Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies in the World list, the sixth time earning that honor. In 2024, 2023 and 2021 the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation. And, in 2022 GMP was named to TIME's list of the 100 Most Influential Companies for its groundbreaking resiliency work to transform the grid for customers.

The ground is already saturated from multiple severe storms this summer and that could make trees more vulnerable to strong winds. Safety is key for customers with this storm and there will be changing conditions in your area, so please be alert and plan ahead. Travel could be difficult, especially tonight with possible rising waters.

Mike Burke, GMP's vice president of operations