Paicos: Expect Multi-Day Power Outages in Foxborough Following Severe Transmission Damage

Here we go again.

One year after two storms each caused multi-day power outages throughout Foxborough, residents must prepare to face a similar scenario in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, according to Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos Monday night.

“Although Foxborough itself sustained what appears to be little damage, severe damage to transmission lines, which feed power to Foxborough sub-stations has occurred,” Paicos said following a conversation with National Grid president Marcy Reed. “Primary among these is the so-called Union Loop, which has suffered damage to 5 of its 12 sections. In addition, damage has occurred to at least two cross-country transmission lines, which feed power to Foxborough.”

So what does this mean?

“National Grid advises that loss of power to portions of Foxborough is likely to be a multi-day event,” Paicos said. “Residents are urged to plan for this contingency and to closely monitor the news outlet from which you received this message for updated information as it become available [Tuesday morning].”

Paicos added, per his conversation with Reed, that somewhere “between 40 and 75 percent of the town are without power” Monday night and the utility company will further assess the damage Tuesday morning.

“[Tuesday morning] helicopter assessment will be made of this damage and an estimate of repair time [and restoration] will be provided,” Paicos said.

Foxborough town officials and department heads will meet at Town Hall Tuesday morning to discuss the town’s next steps.