Nova Scotia Power launches biggest pre-storm mobilization in company’s history

Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) has launched the biggest pre-storm mobilization in the company’s history ahead of a severe winter storm that the utility is saying could be more damaging than post-tropical storm Arthur.

The utility said that by Thursday it will have more than 1,000 people dedicated to storm response, including “frontline crews, damage assessors, planners, engineers, support staff and customer care representatives.”

READ MORE: Snow, strong winds in forecast for major winter storm set to hit N.S. Thursday

“We are calling in crews from as far away as Hydro Quebec,” said Karen Hutt, president and chief executive of Nova Scotia Power, in a news release.

“This is a bigger storm than the one that hit last week.”

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The storm is projected to bring with it wind gusts of up to 140 km/h in addition to snow and rain.

NS Power said that it’ll begin carrying out power restorations as soon as it is safe to do so, but warned that its crews will have to make on-site assessments of whether to stand down for safety.

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WATCH: Crews working around the clock to restore power to Nova Scotians after Christmas storm

2:07 Crews working around the clock to restore power to Nova Scotians after Christmas storm

The utility said it will activate its Emergency Operations Centre. The facility will serve as the “nerve centre” of any power restoration efforts.

The centre is set to come online at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and will continue to function until all customers have had their power restored.

WATCH: The large storm that’s in the forecast for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on Thursday is called a “bomb cyclone.” What does that mean? Global Meteorologist Ross Hull tells us, and has a closer look at what we can expect.

1:37 Maritimes to be hit by ‘bomb cyclone’

NS Power says they’re opening four of its payment depots in Kentsville, Chester, Stellarton and Shelburne as comfort centres from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting on Thursday untill the end of any local power restoration efforts.

Customers who’ve lost power will be able to warm up, charge their devices and have some coffee or hot chocolate.