Town Manager Reflects One Year After Irene

Acting Town Manager Bill Hart was not yet in that role when Hurricane Irene knocked out power around the state one year ago today.

But Hart was serving in his public safety role as Londonderry Police Chief, where he recalls the impact of the weather event.

"It was a bracing storm, no question about it," Hart said, surprised that Irene was just a year ago. "We were lucky to get through it without more damage. PSNH I recall had some power difficulties certainly from the police department."

His memory was foggy on damage specifics in town, but he did remember power lines down in various areas. One main road massively impacted by the storm was Pillsbury Road, which saw a tree do extensive damage to the lines, blocking off the entire road.

Hart acknowledged the storm as a challenge to many residents, but wouldn't say that it was one of the worst he has experienced while working in public safety.

In the last year, conversations between the town and PSNH have taken place. Hart said that public safety officials are working on the response time so that the damage impact can be lessened quicker.

The impact in neighboring towns was even worse, with many in Windham sitting without power for about a week.