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GRAFTON, Mass. —Power outages are being reported in parts of North Grafton around 1 p.m. as Hurricane Sandy begins to pull into Central Massachusetts with more muscle.
Businesses and homes along Worcester Street are dark. Stop and Shop is running on a generator allowing them to continue to be open.
Power went off at 1:25 p.m. and almost immediately, the employees began pulling the store shelves of dairy, meat, and frozen food. Kristen Stone, the front end manager, said the generators can run some lights and the cash registers, but not the refrigerated goods.
“We’ll hang in there as long as we can,” she said.
At Stir Crazy, a coffee shop down the road, Jennifer Palumbo, the owner, said unless the power comes on soon, she is closed.
“Otherwise all my dairy items will have to be thrown out,” she said. Her business will stay closed for as long as the lights are off, no matter how many days it will be.
The problem appears to be a downed tree near the Nelson Library that took out a line. National Grid is reportedly working on the scene.
According to Ray Mead, Grafton’s Emergency Management Director, National Grid has crews dedicated to the town and has promised to respond to all emergencies. Mead cautions all residents to not cut or remove trees, to stay off the roads, and remain in their homes.
He added that the shelter at the Municipal Center is not open, but will send out a bulletin if it does. The emergency operations center will be opening later today. Updates on this will come as soon as word is sent.
The Daily Voice, available on computer, tablet and smartphone, will be updating with the latest local information throughout the storm. Have cancellations or storm damage photos? Email rprice@dailyvoice.com.
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