A severe thunderstorm rolled through southern New Hampshire on Tuesday, July 16.

A severe thunderstorm rolled through southern New Hampshire on Tuesday, July 16, bringing significant disruption and damage to the region. The powerful storm left over 14,000 residents without power in Keene alone and created a chaotic mess of debris in the streets of cities stretching from Keene all the way to Milford and Nashua. Fallen trees, downed power lines, and scattered branches added to the destruction, making travel difficult and hazardous.

“The storm chased me all the way from Keene to Milford,” said FACT TV employee Aidan Robie, who was on his way home when the storm hit. “I was literally caught in it. I watched the street lights flicker in and out, on and off, the whole way. It felt apocalyptic. The sky turned an eerie shade of green."

Multiple homes in the area took harsh beatings, with many sustaining severe damage. Roofs were torn off, windows shattered, and some buildings experienced structural damage due to fallen trees and large debris. Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls for assistance, and many roads were temporarily closed to clear the wreckage.

Local authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel while cleanup and power restoration efforts are underway. Crews are working around the clock to clear debris and restore electricity, but the extent of the damage means that it may take several days for services to return to normal.

The storm also disrupted several community events and activities, forcing cancellations and postponements. As residents begin to assess the damage and start the recovery process, the community is pulling together to support those most affected by this unexpected and severe weather event.

Photo Credit: Maria Perez, WHDH, The Keene Sentinel

Video Credit: SWNH Alerts & Info, Amoriel Espnto