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Severe Thunderstorms Leave Massachusetts Residents in the Dark

Thunderstorms darkening the skies over Massachusetts

News Summary

Severe thunderstorms struck Massachusetts on Thursday night, resulting in nearly 49,000 power outages just before the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Areas like Lakeville and Fall River were hit hardest, with reports of downed trees and flooding complicating cleanup efforts. As power restoration efforts are underway, travelers are advised to plan ahead due to anticipated traffic disruptions. Authorities emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness as the holiday approaches amidst summer weather risks.

Massachusetts — Severe thunderstorms swept across Massachusetts on Thursday night, leaving nearly 49,000 residents without power as they approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend. As of 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported that 48,836 residents were affected by outages. Within the hour, this figure decreased to 44,425 as some areas began to restore power.

The hardest-hit regions were southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, though some outages extended into the Boston area. Communities significantly impacted include Lakeville, Fall River, Marion, Bourne, Freetown, Plymouth, Westport, Dartmouth, Falmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, Dennis, Swansea, Somerset, and Acushnet. Lakeville experienced a complete power outage at one stage, while Rochester had a similar situation but has gradually restored some electricity.

Impact on Local Infrastructure and Emergency Response

Alongside power outages, the severe weather brought reports of flooding and downed trees across Rhode Island, highlighting the extensive impact of the storms. Fall River experienced significant disruptions, with downed trees and power lines blocking roads, as well as flooding that caused bricks to fall from a building, further endangering residents and complicating cleanup efforts.

Traveling Concerns Ahead of the Holiday

The timing of these thunderstorms is particularly concerning, as numerous travelers are expected to be on the move for the Fourth of July holiday. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has issued advisories urging residents to plan accordingly for increased traffic volumes during this busy travel time. This recommendation comes in light of widespread disruptions caused by the storms, which could affect travel conditions.

Restoration Efforts and Future Updates

Restoration efforts are currently underway, although the situation remains dynamic, with more updates anticipated as progress continues. The collaboration among local agencies and utility companies will be key to restoring power and ensuring safety for residents as the holiday approaches.

Previous Weather Patterns in the Region

The occurrence of severe thunderstorms in the summer months is not uncommon in Massachusetts; however, the intensity and scope of this storm have raised awareness about the vulnerability of local infrastructure and the importance of emergency preparedness. As the region braces for high travel volumes in conjunction with severe weather risks, community leaders and emergency personnel are working closely to respond to the needs of affected residents swiftly.

As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay updated on weather forecasts, and heed the advice of authorities regarding travel and safety. The storms serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with summer weather patterns, and the need for preparedness is critical as families plan for holiday celebrations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

New England Weather Outlook for the Fourth of July
Boston Faces Record Heat and Drought This June
Boston Gears Up for Fourth of July Celebrations
Boston Set to Face Its First 90-Degree Day of the Year
Heat Advisory Issued for Southern New England Amid Storm Predictions
Boston Braces for Significant Weather Changes
Boston Weather Update: Significant Warm-Up and Thunderstorm Potential
Boston Weather Update: Warm Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke
Unsettled Weather Expected Across Greater Boston on Tuesday
Boston Weather Forecast: Mild Weather and Rain Ahead

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

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