2K Peabody Customers, Schools Without Power Tuesday Morning

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Municipal Light Plant crews scrambled to restore power to about 2,000 customers Tuesday morning after it said a tree fell across power lines.

The utility company said some businesses on Centennial Drive were among those affected when the tree hit the lines in a remote area behind the YMCA. It said power was restored by around 9 a.m.

"It took approximately an hour, and honestly we thought it would take longer based on the damage to the pole from the fallen tree," the utility posted on social media. "The engineers, substation team and line workers were able to isolate the area with the downed wires and snapped pole and re-energize customers.

"Now that customers are restored, we will take steps to replace the snapped pole."

Peabody Superintendent of Schools Josh Vadala praised crews for their quick restoration work after the Welch, South and Higgins schools were without electricity for a short time early in the school day.

"Power has been restored in all three schools," Vadala posted as an update about 8:45 a.m. "Thank you to PMLP and our facilities department for their quick work and excellent communication."

The utility said those still without power should check their main breaker. If the problem persists, call 978-531-5975.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)