Londonderry News

At about 11:30 AM on December 15, 2008, PSNH announced that 55,000 more PSNH customers had power restored. That brought the total to about 190,000 customers with power back on. There was approximately 138,000 still left without power. It was also estimated that around 60% of Londonderry was without power.

Warming temperatures at the time made the 550-plus line, contract, and tree-cutting crews worry. The ice that once weighed tree limbs down was beginning to melt and the possibility of the limbs snapping upwards into power lines was a large risk. There was also word that another storm front was making its way upon us. The prediction was that the following day a “wintery mix” of rain and snow was to arrive. This could stall the crews even further. PSNH was already saying that “…we are unable to provide precise projections for when all customers will be back on; however, given the sheer magnitude of damage, we continue to believe it will take several more days.” The State Senator elect Sharon Carson was working with PSNH to try and get a better estimate of when the power would be restored to everyone.

Neighbors were warned, if they had power or were in their homes, to watch for suspicious cars, trucks and people in their neighborhoods. The Police Logs were reporting several callers stating there was suspicious activity. They were also warning residents to keep a close watch on their generators, as there was a large number of thefts reported. Welfare checks were being asked to be done by family and friends who couldn’t get in touch with their loved ones. There was one report that “… was a bit frightening as an elderly man could be seen in the basement, with a generator running outside. This even though the electricity had come back on in that area. As it turned out he was fine, and had a problem with his house wiring and needed to run the generator.”

People were advised not to use their generators on decks and balconies of their apartments and condos, as the fumes could go into the homes. There was already one reported death and several injuries as a result of improperly vented generators. PSNH was also asking that those who ran generators needed to be sure they were installed properly. If the generator was not connected with a transfer switch, a panel that is “intended for the purpose of connecting a generator to a home,” electricity could be run back through the electrical wires and seriously injure linemen working on that line.

There were still closed roads around the town of Londonderry. An estimated 35% of the roads were still impassible, including Boyd, Chase and Wilson. One reader commented, “Boyd Roads is still closed and has not even got a visit for assessment or repair. There are lines down all over the road along with snapped poles.” Another reported in, “Gary Drive & Spring Road are a disaster area. Take your digital camera or video camera and take a walk through these roads. It’s a snapshot of how bad things are. You’ve got houses with power lines ripped off, trees fallen across the road and on wires, huge trees split down the middle onto wires, SNAPPED telephone poles that block a dead end street.”

Thanks for your interest and emails on this Ice Storm Series, we are only at day 4 and have reports to day 12.  Please feel free to comment on too!

To read the articles about the recovery from the storm as it was happening one year ago, follow these links:

Half of New Hampshire Restored, Estimate 20% of Londonderry Has Power Features PSNH’s Update on Power Restoration and Tips on Generator Safety.

Readers Report Londonderry Power Yes & No Quotes from Readers’ Comments regarding power and road closures. This method proved to be the best for providing status to homeowners away at hotels and with friends. 12 more comments were added by readers about the published comments!

PSNH Reports on Outage From Nearby Candia, New Hampshire Gary Long, the CEO of PSNH, reports from Candia in this YouTube video. Watch the video to find out what he had to say.

No School Tuesday and No Town Council Meeting Monday Dec 15 An announcement about the Schools and includes excerpts from both Dave Caron and PSNH.

Thank You PSNH A comical piece by Jim Loiselle regarding the amount of Dunkin’ Donuts with power. There were 13 comments on this piece.

Storm Notes from Londonderry Police Log A publication warning residents regarding suspicious vehicles and people in neighborhoods.

Where’s Watty the Power Repair Guy? A spin-off of “Where’s Waldo?” featuring Watty the Power Repair Guy. Includes a printable version for your children.

Chief MacCaffrie latest Status for Londonderry An update regarding the power restoration efforts, including road closures and a Shelter update.

Londonderry Neighbors Watching Neighbors A woman gets help from neighbors while her husband is serving in Afghanistan. Includes a link to the Union Leader Article written about her and a YouTube Video.

Progress Could Be Slowed Tuesday and Wednesday Restoring Power Another PSNH update as if 5:00 PM that evening. Also includes serious warnings regarding Generator Use.