Thousands of customers without power after storm tears through Andover
ANDOVER - Thousands of customers in Andover remain in the dark after a powerful storm moved through Friday afternoon.
As of Sunday at 4 p.m., more than 6,000 customers were still without power in Andover according to MEMA.
The town said that the electrical substations that provide power to the town were repaired, but there was still significant damage to overhead power lines.
The Andover Department of Public Works said they had cleared downed trees from all major roadways without live wires on Saturday night.
Several big trees came down, including some that fell on houses. Other trees took down utility wires.
"It looks like a microburst went through this way and took off seven different tops of trees. Now I can't get my car out because as you can see I have this gigantic tree in my driveway," said Andover resident, Ellen McKeough.
"It was horizontal wind right on that tree and we just watched as it was tipping towards us then we just ran to basement," said Andover resident, Doug Turner.
Robert Les lost around nine trees in his yard from the storm. "Clean up. The generators running, but clean up, and so they hopefully can get the power back,"
Neighbors are helping neighbors in Andover as cleanup crews are backed up. Residents are doing whatever they can to remove fallen branches and trees out of the way.
"These gentlemen here, who you have just spoken with, have a chainsaw will give us hand at least to get the path clear," said McKeough.
Ryan Deroo of Kelley Tree Service has been working since last night to remove trees from houses, and has a message for customers.
"Patience and try, try your best to wait for a professional tree service. There's a lot of people knocking on doors when you invite people on your property you're a liable for their safety,"