Heavy wind, rain causing damage, power outages

February 16, 2016 7:51 pm

By Samantha Fenlon

sfenlon@abc6.com

Heavy rain and wind caused power outages and down trees all throughout Southern New England Tuesday night.

One of those outages happening at the B K Mart on Washington Street in Attleboro. The roof of the building caught on flames after power lines were knocked down outside of the business.

"We noticed that across the street over there three of them [power lines] were still live, shooting out flames and sparks. Once the National Grid guys showed up something happened where one of them just exploded–big flash of white light," said Austin Swalm who works at Vista Donuts across the street.

No one was injured, but hours later, the damage was very visible as pieces of the roof were scattered across the parking lot and a water bottle was still left smoking.

"It was just a lot of craziness. I could see it through my window," explain Brian Kamalu.

The strong winds caused damage all across the region, like in Woonsocket, on Louise Street where a tree fell taking down power lines with it.

Over in South Kingstown, a family is feeling fortunate that no one was injured in a similar situation, where a tree came crashing down on the back of a home on Mooresfield Road just before 5 p.m.

In Warwick, a tree was uprooted on Oakland Beach Avenue, causing traffic diversions in the area.

In Newport, a massive tree crashed into a house on Dresser Street, crushing several cars in its path. Crews were on scene for hours cleaning up that damage.

"Unfortunately, my neighbor from downstairs had both cars totaled. I’ve never seen a tree this big fall in my life. This thing is gigantic, but ultimately, we are all very lucky no one was hurt," said Tom Oatway.