Community Corner

Thunderstorms Wreak Havoc in Bedford, Surrounding Areas

Lightning reportedly strikes homes in Bedford, Windham and Exeter.

This story was written by Merrimack Patch editor Carolyn Dube and posted by Ryan O'Connor.

PSNH is reporting widespread power outages across Southern NH as a result of storms that have swept through the region.

Lightning strikes may have also caused fires in Bedford, Windham and a house in Exeter also appears to have been struck early this afternoon.

According to PSNH's outage map, 301 customers in Bedford, 304 customers in Amherst and 783 customers in Merrimack were without power as of 4 p.m. 

In Bedford, firefighters responded at 12:15 p.m. to a two-plus-alarm fire that was caused by lightning.

In Windham, about 25 minutes later, fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire at 30 Hawthorne Road, also believed started by a lightning strike. The fire, which started in the attic was showing heavy flames through the roof when firefighters arrived.

In Exeter, around 1 p.m., a house at 9 Newfields Road in Exeter was apparently hit as well. No fire was reported and it didn't appear there was any damage to the home but tripped breakers indicated the house had been hit.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 p.m., a flash flood watch is in effect until midnight and a flood advisory is in effect until 5:45 p.m.

NWS says heavy rainfall could cause ponding on highways, streets and underpasses. Persistent periods of heavy rain that could see more than 2 inches of rain in less than an hour could also cause flash flooding. 


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