BILLERICA, Mass. — Chainsaws cleared down trees as crews worked to restore power lost in several neighborhoods in Billerica as a powerful storm blew through Friday afternoon.
“Just home watching TV around 3 o’clock and heard a thud and it was here and the power went out,” said Danny Gallagher of Billerica.
He lives on Riverdale Road where tree crews cleared limbs and branches from power lines. Gallagher was surprised by the storm’s impact.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it was that bad at all. The rain was coming down hard, torrential. I mean I didn’t hear a lot of wind or anything so I was a little surprised,” said Gallagher.
Losing power is bad enough but across town, flooded roads were a hazard for drivers. People tried to clear storm drains but it was too little too late.
On Whittier Road, it wasn’t blocked storm drains, just too much water.
“Not a good day. This is the laundry room and my wife’s office,” said Dave Pietroforte.
He says the heavy rain caused his basement to flood.
“My wife said we’re starting to get water in the garage… the bottom panels started to go and it just came right through.”
“Outside you can see how high the water was at it’s worst the water was 4 feet deep. We’re in the bottom of both hills and it pools right there.”
You can see this young boy wading thru the massive puddle and the neighbor’s cars were surrounded by water. And every time a car passed more waves of water washed into Dave’s basement
“It blew thru the garage door went in thru my garage, my laundry room, my wife’s office, and my family room downstairs.”
Residents who left in the dark patiently waited for the power to come back and tried to keep a positive outlook.
“It could be worse. Nobody got hurt. No one’s house is hit. That’s it… keeps things in perspective,” said Gallagher.