Manchester, New Hampshire – Over 100,000 customers in New Hampshire remained without power on Friday morning following a powerful spring nor’easter that brought heavy snow and strong winds to the state. Utility crews worked tirelessly to clear downed trees, fix broken poles, and restore electricity to affected areas.
Eversource, the primary utility company in the region, focused on addressing issues that could pose a threat to public safety, such as roadblocks caused by the storm. The extensive damage from the nor’easter included at least 234 roadblocks and 84 broken utility poles, creating challenges for restoration efforts.
In response to the widespread outages, Eversource mobilized additional crews from as far as Pennsylvania to assist in the restoration process. The central command center in Manchester served as the hub for coordinating the storm response operations, ensuring a strategic approach to prioritize areas in need of immediate attention.
Douglas Foley, Eversource’s president of operations, noted that the outages began around 4 a.m. and continued to escalate throughout the day as the snowfall persisted. The efficient deployment of repair crews and the utilization of smart switch systems aimed to expedite the restoration process and minimize disruptions for customers.
Customers experiencing power outages were urged to report their situation to their respective utility providers promptly. Contact information for Eversource, Liberty Utilities, New Hampshire Electric Co-op, and Unitil was provided for individuals to seek assistance and updates on the restoration progress.
Safety precautions were emphasized, with officials advising the public to steer clear of downed power lines, which may still be live and hazardous. Additionally, proper usage of generators was highlighted to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, emphasizing the importance of professional installation and adequate ventilation when operating these devices.
Staying informed and prepared for severe weather events was underscored, with recommendations to download the WMUR app for weather alerts and updates. The importance of maintaining a safe distance from downed lines and following proper generator protocols served as crucial reminders for residents impacted by the storm.