Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands of customers in Massachusetts experienced power outages due to stormy weather
- Over 200 cancellations and delays occurred at Boston’s Logan Airport
- The hardest hit communities included Foxboro, Wrentham, Pepperell, West Brookfield, Franklin, and Holliston
- High winds brought down trees and wires, causing road blockages and delays
- A high wind warning was issued for much of eastern, northeastern, and southeastern Massachusetts
Introduction to the Storm
The stormy weather that hit Massachusetts caused significant disruptions to daily life, with tens of thousands of customers experiencing power outages and over 200 cancellations and delays at Boston’s Logan Airport. According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s outage map, approximately 21,000 customers were without power as of 11 p.m., down from 81,000 outages around noon. The storm’s impact was felt across the state, with some communities being hit harder than others. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s efforts to track and respond to the outages were crucial in minimizing the disruption caused by the storm.
Hardest Hit Communities
Some of the hardest hit communities were Foxboro, Wrentham, Pepperell, West Brookfield, Franklin, and Holliston. Wrentham police warned drivers to expect delays due to many streets being blocked by fallen trees. The police also shared a video of a downed wire sparking across one road, highlighting the dangers posed by the storm. The high winds and heavy downpours caused significant damage to the infrastructure in these communities, with trees and wires being brought down, and roads being blocked. The authorities had to work quickly to clear the roads and restore power to the affected areas.
Weather Conditions
The high winds were a major contributor to the damage caused by the storm. According to the Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, a wind gust of 79 mph was reported on Friday just after noon. Other communities that reported high wind gusts included Attleboro (65 mph), Wareham (62 mph), North Dighton (61 mph), and Wrentham (60 mph). The heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms that accompanied the high winds caused localized street flooding, which added to the disruption caused by the storm. The rain was expected to move offshore by 5 p.m., but the damage had already been done.
Impact on Transportation
The storm had a significant impact on transportation in the state, with over 200 cancellations and delays at Boston’s Logan Airport. According to FlightAware, there were 122 total cancellations at Logan Airport, and 434 total delays. JetBlue was one of the airlines most affected, with 23 cancellations and 102 delays. The airport’s website warned passengers to check with their airline before coming to the airport due to the potential for delays and cancellations caused by the wind. The storm’s impact on transportation was felt not only at the airport but also on the roads, with many streets being blocked by fallen trees and wires.
Response to the Storm
The authorities responded quickly to the storm, with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency working to track and respond to the outages. The agency’s efforts helped to minimize the disruption caused by the storm, and power was restored to many areas by the evening. The police and other emergency services also worked to clear the roads and respond to emergencies caused by the storm. The response to the storm highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick action in minimizing the impact of severe weather events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the stormy weather that hit Massachusetts caused significant disruptions to daily life, with tens of thousands of customers experiencing power outages and over 200 cancellations and delays at Boston’s Logan Airport. The hardest hit communities included Foxboro, Wrentham, Pepperell, West Brookfield, Franklin, and Holliston, where high winds brought down trees and wires, causing road blockages and delays. The authorities responded quickly to the storm, working to restore power and clear the roads. The storm highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick action in minimizing the impact of severe weather events.
