Wareham begins cleanup after widespread storm damage and power outages
A thunderstorm tore through Wareham, Massachusetts on Thursday night, leaving widespread damage and power outages in its wake.
Crews were cleaning up toppled trees and downed power lines on Friday. Eversource said it is working to clear the damage and restore power to the town as quickly as possible. As of the afternoon of the Fourth of July, several thousand people were without power, according to the
"Last night's strong thunderstorms caused significant tree damage to our electric system in and around the Cape, like here in Wareham," Eversource said in a
Photos from the town show trees uprooted, downed power lines, and trees blocking entire roads.
The Cape Cod Maple Park Campground and RV Park in East Wareham said it could be without power for days.
"The damage is extensive with trees down, power lines down, poles snapped, cars totaled, trailers totaled, ponds are an absolute mess, but everyone is alive and so far no reported injuries," the campground to Facebook.
Damage in Wareham
"I just had brand new tires put on it, did all kind of work to it," said Glen Mann, whose new Jaguar is now trapped under a tree. "It's kind of disappointing to see the way it's in this condition. I got it a couple of weeks ago and the thing was in perfect condition."
"I heard something, I didn't know what it was, I heard a bang," said Greg Gifune. The wind blew so hard Thursday night, it ripped an entire piece of his deck off. "I was shocked, I couldn't believe this whole thing. I thought maybe a little piece of it was gone, I didn't think this whole section would be gone."
The Wareham Department of Natural Resources says Eversource will be sending 60% of its assets to Wareham to help get the power restored by this evening. They said it would be an all-day effort. They are asking anyone to report any downed trees and wires to the nearest fire department, which will relay the information to Eversource.
Acushnet ice cream shop damaged
Customers just got inside the Country Whip Ice Cream Shop when the storm hit on Thursday.
"And then the tree on side of the building got hit by lightning and it came down right on top of our tables where people would have been eating," said Rodney, the shop's owner.
No one was seriously hurt but the shop is closed for the next few days.
"We lost some power, so that's why we're closing down and I don't know how long it will be but it's gonna be," said Rodney.
Eversource "all downed wires are live and stay away. Keep your distance from trees that may have wires caught in them." If you are in a vehicle with a downed wire on top of it, they say to wait in your car until emergency crews arrive. The company also says to never drive on top of downed power lines.
says that people can also call 800-592-2000 or go to Eversource.com to report any storm damage they see.
