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Governor Chris Sununu Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for October Storm
Concord, NH – Yesterday, Governor Chris Sununu requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration and provide federal emergency assistance for Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan Counties for the storm that occurred between October 29 and October 30, 2017.
"As a result of this storm, the State of New Hampshire sustained widespread damages to state and local infrastructure including property damage in all ten counties,: said Governor Chris Sununu. "This storm considerably strained state and local resources; it consumed staff time and exhausted available resources due to county-wide flash flooding conditions, strong winds, widespread roadway destruction, historical power outages and significant debris that restricted travel and emergency operations. Fortunately, there were no deaths or serious injuries associated with this storm.:
The combination of heavy rainfall and damaging winds caused severe damages to hundreds of miles of local and state roadways and dozens of bridges and culverts. The high winds damaged many trees and power lines, disrupting electricity to approximately 270,000 customers. This storm ranks #4 on the State's list of historical storms having widespread outages.
The duration of power outages led to a dozen communities opening warming centers and overnight shelters. Dozens of roadways throughout the state were cut off to emergency services due to road washouts, damages to culverts and bridges, and downed trees and electrical wires. These severe conditions created damages that overwhelmed the capabilities of State and local jurisdictions and required an immediate and urgent response. The overwhelming damages and conditions were most severe in Belknap, Carroll, Coos, Grafton and Sullivan Counties resulting in dozens of requests for State assistance.
If granted, federal assistance would be available to government entities and some private non-profits providing critical services. This would be the third federally declared disaster the State has experienced in the last seven months.