Power Will Take Days to Restore

Approximately 6,000 to 7,000 people in North Reading, Reading, Wilmington and Lynnfield center lost power during the storm last night. The damage is severe and Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) crews are working on clearing trees from power lines to restore power as soon as possible.

According to RMLD Engineering and Operations Manager Kevin Sullivan, ten linemen, four tree crews, many station operators, operational assistants, runners, senior technicians, engineers, customer specialists and managers were called to work throughout the night. 

"This will take days to repair," said Sullivan.

Marblehead Municipal Light crews helped RMLD crews today and Danvers Electric crews are due to help Monday morning. RMLD has requested additional aid from Worcester and western Massachusetts.

"The weight of the heavy wet snow and the presence of the leaves still on the trees holding more weight has caused many tree limbs to crack and bring wires down," said Sullivan. "Our crews are operating on one-hour's rest from last night. We are calling them in at 7 to feed them, sending them back out to continue restoring power until midnight and then rest until 6 a.m." 

Reading has opened a shelter at the Hawkes Field House at Reading Memorial High School on Oakland Road.

According to the , the will provide transportation to the shelter in Reading. Contact the Fire Department at 978-664-3112.