Cleanup underway in Mass. after Isaias knocks out power for more than 200,000
Officials say a man was killed in Chelmsford when his vehicle collided with a front-end loader clearing storm debris.
More than 200,000 people lost power in Massachusetts on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Isaias churned through parts of the state, bringing down trees and power lines as it moved northward. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, 219,609 customers were without power, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), concentrated in parts of central and western areas of the Bay State.
Power Outage Safety Tips:
✅Avoid downed power lines & assume they are live
✅Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines
✅Call your utility company to report power outages.
✅Keep #generators outside & away from building
✅Power outage safety & prep tips: https://t.co/7KtWzMhiMZ#Isaias pic.twitter.com/Ma43k74Iz0— MEMA (@MassEMA) August 5, 2020
That number dropped to almost 135,000 as of 9 am. Wednesday.
As of 9 AM on 8/5/20, power outages of ~135,000 customers.
Avoid downed lines, check on neighbors, & use generators outside away from buildings.
Power outage safety tips: https://t.co/7KtWzMhiMZ
Outage tracking map: https://t.co/tKdER1Llac pic.twitter.com/eSdKOkicbf— MEMA (@MassEMA) August 5, 2020
Tree damage and power outages were prevalent across southern New England, according to the National Weather Service.
“As is typically the case with New England tropical systems, the heavy rain/flooding occurred west of the track and given that we were on the east side damaging winds were our main impact,” the service said.
[Damage Reports] Isaias resulted in tree damage/numerous power outages across #SNE. As is typically the case with New England tropical systems, the heavy rain/flooding occurred west of the track and given that we were on the east side damaging winds were our main impact. pic.twitter.com/RBEgARwOO6
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 5, 2020
In Connecticut, more than 700,000 people lost power and at least one person was killed in the storm, according to the Hartford Courant.
At least one person was killed in the aftermath of the storm in Massachusetts. According to Chelmsford police, a man driving a pickup truck collided around 9:30 p.m. with a public works front-end loader that was clearing storm debris. The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene, and the town employee driving the front-end loader was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Police said the cause of the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Graniteville Road and School Street in Chelmsford, remains under investigation.
On Wednesday, forecasters cautioned beachgoers to be aware of lingering “dangerous surf conditions” and a “risk for rip currents” on south-facing beaches from the storm.
[Wednesday Forecast] Good morning Southern New England! Much quieter weather ahead today compared to yesterday. Will be quite warm & generally dry today. Be aware of dangerous surf conditions and a higher risk for rip currents will exist on south-facing beaches. pic.twitter.com/SVaTdrHlP1
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 5, 2020
High Surf Advisory (purple) for ocean beaches on the South Coast & Islands thru Wed. Be alert for dangerous surf and higher risk of rip currents. Follow advice of lifeguards if going to the beach tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/wvCp1iZiUl
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) August 5, 2020
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