Cleanup efforts were underway in southern New Hampshire on Wednesday following a severe storm that caused significant damage to the region. The storm, which occurred near sunset on Tuesday, triggered a microburst in Milford, New Hampshire, with peak straight-line winds of 95 miles-per-hour, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents in the affected area described the storm as sudden and intense. Nancy Metsiou, a Milford resident, recalled how the strong winds came out of nowhere. She and her family took cover and heard trees snapping around them. Metsiou expressed her gratitude for their safety, stating, “I just thank God we’re OK.”
Bob Hug, another resident, initially thought the storm was just thunder and lightning. However, he soon realized that it was something more severe when he heard a loud sound. Witnesses in the area described the storm as fast-moving and likened the aftermath to a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie.
The storm caused significant damage to homes and properties. One home had a tree slice through its kitchen and dining room. Another house had a tree fall on its roof, creating a hole that required immediate repair. Bernice Martinez, a Milford resident, shared how she and her family sought shelter in their basement as they watched the storm intensify. Unfortunately, a tree ended up going through the roof of her child’s bedroom.
The Milford Fire Department described the storm as a “substantial weather event” and reported extensive damage to trees, branches, and power lines. Multiple streets were blocked, and emergency access to neighborhoods was hindered. Crews worked tirelessly to clear the roads and restore power.
The National Weather Service later confirmed that the microburst in Milford impacted an area roughly 0.7 miles long and 50 yards wide. Although no injuries were reported, seven homes were damaged, two cars were destroyed, and approximately 150 trees were knocked over.
The storm also caused power outages in other areas, including parts of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Eversource, the local utility company, was assessing the outages and had not yet provided estimated repair times.
The region was advised to brace for more severe storms on Wednesday evening before cooler weather and less humidity arrived on Thursday. Residents were urged to stay updated on the forecasts and weather analysis through local news sources.
In conclusion, the severe storm in southern New Hampshire left a trail of destruction, with residents experiencing the sudden and intense impact of the microburst. Cleanup efforts were underway as crews worked to clear roads and restore power to affected areas. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather events and the importance of preparedness and safety precautions during severe storms.
