Andover schools closed Monday due to storm damage, power outages

Schools in Andover, Massachusetts are closed on Monday after thunderstorms on Friday left widespread damage and power outages across the town.

In a letter to parents and staff on Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Magda Parvey said many of the district’s schools remain without power with an unclear timeline for restoration.

"Several National Grid vehicles are causing road closures or blockages which will make traveling for buses and families unsafe and sidewalk cleanup remains ongoing," Parvey wrote. "These blockages have also prevented public works crews access to clean up roads and sidewalks."

As of Sunday evening, National Grid says it had restored service to over 81,000 Massachusetts customers who lost power from Friday's thunderstorm.

"School restoration and public safety are top priorities," National Grid said in a written statement. "The company also continues its focus on critical facilities and life support customers while repairing the extensive storm damage visible
along neighborhood streets and outside homes in the most impacted communities, including Andover, North Andover, Lawrence, and Chelmsford."

Parvey said families will be kept updated on the progress and when school will resume.

Meanwhile, the town will have cooling and charging stations available to families at the Memorial Hall Library from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.