Storm prompts emergency declaration in New Hampshire

NH

New Hampshire’s Commissioner of Safety John J. Barthelmes issued an Emergency Declaration following the recent severe storms affecting the state. Powerful winds and rain that caused flash flooding pounded much of New England Monday, leaving more than 1.3 million residents without power.

The Emergency Declaration remains in effect through Thursday Nov. 2 at midnight.

The Emergency Declarations triggers the temporary suspension of certain federal safety regulations for motor carriers and drivers engaged in specific aspects of the emergency relief, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That includes drivers who are part of efforts providing direct assistance for the immediate restoration of essential services (such as electrical, sewer, water, and telecommunications) or essential supplies (such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel), said a statement on the FMCSA’s Facebook page.

Drivers who utilize this exemption may come back into compliance and restart the hours of service clock taking 34 hours off-duty at the end of their extended hours period.