The winds and rain have caused some real hardship here in Methuen, with power outages continuing to cause problems throughout the Merrimack Valley. I participated in a conference call with National Grid yesterday and will participate in another this morning at 11:00 a.m. Methuen had over 1900 homes without power yesterday. but that number continues to drop. We opened a “warming center” at the Comprehensive Grammar School on Howe Street yesterday, and if anyone needs assistance over heat or any other issue please call our Fire Dispatch line at 978-983-8940. National Grid is restoring power as quickly as they can. We are monitoring problem areas for water and flood issues, and city crews are out clearing debris and trimming trees. I will report back after the National Grid conference call today.