Hurricane Sandy: Merrimack Info Center

Monday, 11 p.m.: Here's the good news, Merrimack. It seems the worst of it is over. Merrimack Emergency Management Director Michael Currier said around 10 p.m. that the wind and rain have died down and the storm, which made landfall a couple hours ago in New Jersey, is headed inland toward Lake Erie, up into Canada and should hook around the top of Maine and go back out to sea.

The bad news? The rain and moderate to high winds will kick up periodically straight through the weekend, so it's going to be a wet week and there may be more scattered outages. After all, when it made landfall in New Jersey, Currier said, the storm was 900 miles wide. Those effects are going to linger.

But there's more good news. At this hour, the number of customers in Merrimack without power has decreased for the first time since Patch started monitoring it when the reports started rolling in around 2:30 p.m. As of 10:30 p.m. the number was 6,040, down from 6,540, the highest number we saw – recorded around 9:30 p.m. As of 10:45, the number has dropped even lower to 5,133.

Currier, who was on the scene of a water main break at 33 Elm St., off of Front Street, said PSNH crews are working as diligently as possible and will be out for a couple more hours before calling it a night.

"With the wind, working in bucket truck is very dangerous," Currier said. "[PSNH] is working as fast as they can but will probably only be out for a few more hours."

According to Police Chief Mark Doyle, the roads still closed at this hour due to trees and wires in the road are Lamson Drive, Peaslee Road, Naticook Road, O'Gara Drive and Manchester Street at the Nashua City line. Wire Road, Davis Road and Depot Street are down to one lane.

Currier said Wilson Hill Road and Amherst Road re-opened recently.

Police warn residents to drive carefully and under no circumstances should vehicles navigate around the barriers.

As for the water main break, Currier said an 8-inch water main broke at 33 Elm St., earlier tonight. There was about 12 inches of water inside the building and sump pumps have been working to clear it out.

"We created quite a puddle outside, Currier said, calling the building "huge."

We'll have more coverage of Hurricane Sandy for you in the morning.

For now, catch up on all our coverage here.

More storm updates below

As we brace ourselves for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy, it appears to be almost certain that whatever path the storm takes, we've got heavy rain and wind coming at the beginning of the week. We want to make sure that Merrimack stays connected, so whatever path the storm takes, you can use this page for live updates as needed.

To keep even further connected, be sure to download our App for your iPhone, sign up for our breaking news alerts, "like" Merrimack Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

LIVE BLOG: Hurricane Sandy Bears Down on NH

Seven Ways to Stay Connected During Hurricane Sandy

As you send us messages through social media and email (carolyn.dube@patch.com), we’ll make sure the information is added here to this story and you can post what you see in your neighborhood in the comments below. If you notice wires down or a tree across the road, please alert authorities and then let us know so we can spread the word quickly.

We aren't soon to forget the effects of last year's "Snowtober," which left much of Merrimack closed with few places in town to go for essentials like batteries and water. You can share info about where to find these items and who has gotten the latest delivery by commenting here.

Merrimack Patch is all about connecting neighbors and helping neighbors so we hope you’ll find this information hub helpful as we brave the storm together. Stay safe, Merrimack!

Storm updates

7 p.m.: Power outage update per user comments on Facebook: Back River Road, Peter rd, Walnut Circle, Derry st, Milford Road, Powers Circle, Franconia dr, Lamson drive, Patten Rd, Joppa rd, Majestic Lane, Greenleaf street, Pollard rd, Ministerial Drive, Richards Road, Beaver Brook Dr, Mitchell st, Woodward road, Dawn ave, Greenfield Dr, Erik St, Marty drive, Maidstone drive, Brenda Lane, Ingham Road, Cabot Rd, Constance St., Tennis Court, Grapevine Road, Belmont Drive.

6 p.m.: PSNH reporting 71,766 customers without power statewide, 2,453 of them in Merrimack. That's 21.6% of town.

5:22 p.m.: Storm's Impact Will be Felt Through Tuesday

5 p.m.: Currier: Merrimack is Ready for Sandy

3 p.m.: PHOTOS: Hurricane Sandy in Merrimack

Tell Us: Where Are Merrimack's Trouble Spots?

2:45 p.m.: PSNH Reporting 1,699 customers in Merrimack have lost power.

12:57 p.m: Merrimack Town Offices are closing at 1 p.m.; police advising residents to restrict travel after 2 p.m.

Noon: Gov. Lynch Declares State of Emergency

Noontime Forecast: Hurricane Sandy Picks Up Steam

9 a.m.: How Long Will Food Last in the Fridge if You Lose Power?

SUNDAY

8 p.m.:

Nashua Announces Emergency Shelter

The American Red Cross and the City of Nashua are opening a shelter up at 8 a.m. Oct. 29 at Nashua High School South, 36 Riverside Street, Nashua. The shelter will be "pet friendly" and will provide some basic support for those with medical needs.

Those relocating to shelters should bring the following personal items:

• Bedding

• Dietary required foods, snacks

• Personal hygiene items

• Medications

• Games, books, toys to occupy children

Pets MUST have a crate, food, and leashes and have all required vaccinations.

Trained medical staff will be available to help with medical needs, but the shelters are not intended to take the place of a hospital. They are intended for those who have minor medical conditions that are stable but who require daily assistance, such as medicine administration, dressing changes or who are oxygen dependent.

Caregivers must accompany the individual. Items to bring include medical equipment and oxygen tanks, all medication and supplies, personal items, any special foods or liquids for dietary needs, and important documents, such as phone numbers and insurance information.

Those that do not have transportation to the shelter or require additional assistance will be able to call 603-589-3456.

Shelters should be a last resort. Shelters are not a life boat, not a cruise ship.