Then and Now: A Look Back at 'Snowtober'

Exactly a year has passed since thousands lost power in New Hampshire due to an unprecedented October snowstorm dubbed 'Snowtober.'

Windham was one of the last towns to see full power restoration in its residences, an issue that Fire Chief Tom McPherson said has been worked on with power companies.

"We saw power being very slow to be restored to this area," he said. "I think over the last several months we've had discussions with public utilities commissions," he said. I think they've heard from the community of their concerns."

McPherson said that the priority following major storms always involves the restoration of power to critical infrastructres, 55 and over communities and assisted living facilities.

The issue could go under the microscope again starting today as Hurricane Sandy reaches the coast. While the dismal storm impact on N.H. has since been downgraded, damaging winds of 20 to 30 mph are still in the forecast. Gusts could get as high at 60 mph this afternoon into the evening.

During Snowtober, McPherson said that many road closures had to remain because there were power lines entangled in the trees.

"We had kind of a full spectrum (of issues) during that October storm," he said, recalling one big fire that took place following the power outages as well as several generator and carbon monoxide issues.

McPherson said that from a department standpoint, he believed the emergency response last year went well.

Windham Fire has since reached out to residents with public service announcements, delivering the concern for generator safety in the community.

McPherson added that the town is just beginning to wrap up clearing the debris from the 2011 storm.