Please note: This is an old news story provided for archival purposes. For the latest updates, visit somervillema.gov/news

CITY CREWS WORKING TO REPAIR SIGNIFICANT STORM DAMAGE CITYWIDE

Damage Reported in Municipal, School Buildings; Downed Trees and Power Lines Continue to Cause Difficulties in Some Areas; DPW, Public Safety and School Officials Working to Make Repairs in Time for Return to Usual Operations on Wednesday

SOMERVILLE - In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, City

officials - DPW, Police, Fire, and school officials - continue the cleanup

efforts throughout the City of Somerville.

The storm, which included winds in excess of 70 miles per hour over a

twelve-hour period, inflicted uprooted and fallen trees, downed power lines

and other reported electrical outages, and some significant damage to

municipal, school, and residential buildings.

Roof damage was reported at several residences, as well as City Hall,

and significant roof damage was discovered late Monday evening at Somerville

High School, closing the auditorium until further notice. Though no serious injuries were reported in

Somerville, more than ten homes were evacuated Monday afternoon on Browning

Road due to uprooted trees threatening gas lines. No gas main was ruptured, and residents who had

been displaced have since returned to their homes.

"We anticipated an intense and slow-moving storm

packing high wind, and Hurricane Sandy definitely delivered," said Mayor Joseph

A. Curtatone. "I want to thank the City

crews from every department who have worked around the clock since late last

week, both to prepare our city for the storm, and to deal with issues in real time

throughout the day on Monday. And I want

to thank residents for being our eyes on the streets and in the

neighborhoods. Your vigilance,

particularly those who assisted us by calling into 311 and posting to our

various social media feeds, greatly supported our efforts in ensuring swift and

safe cleanup."

"Over the next several days these crews will continue

to work to get all buildings back to full operations, and to ensure roadways

are clear and power lines made safe. In

addition, once we've fully assessed the damage and the steps we need to take to

recover fully, we will be seeking assistance funds as is consistent with damage

created in a State of Emergency," Mayor Curtatone said.

Preliminary assessment shows that at the peak of the

storm, just over 1,600 power outages were reported, accounting for

approximately 4% of NStar subscribers in Somerville, though the average throughout

Monday lingered around a 1% reported outage.

Since Monday morning, more than 200 downed trees were reported via 311

and, according to initial data, the 311 representatives handled almost 10 times

the number of average calls for a Monday (a total of 1,268 calls were logged

Monday). Preliminary data also shows

that the Somerville Fire Department responded to approximately 180

storm-related calls Monday.

IMAGES:

An uprooted tree and split utility pole created

a potentially dangerous situation on Browning Road. More than 10 homes were evacuated, and

residents sheltered at Holiday Inn until Tuesday morning.

A large section of the roof atop Somerville High

School suffered significant damage, affecting the auditorium, which will be

closed until further notice.

A large tree on the Somerville High School

concourse fell, blocking pedestrian access for a portion of Monday Tuesday

morning.

Fire Department and DPW crews had to contend

with numerous uprooted trees, which adversely affected homes, cars, and power

lines in several areas.

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