Above: The front page of the Southborough Villager, August 22, 1991, showing damage caused by Hurricane Bob
Hurricane Irene is drawing some comparisons to Hurricane Bob, which roared through the Metrowest region 20 years ago this month.
According to accounts in the Southborough Villager, Hurricane Bob wasn’t as bad as many feared, but it still caused an estimated $100K in damage in Southborough alone.
Strong wind was the biggest problem with Bob, with most of the damage coming from downed trees, broken limbs, and debris on the roadway. An estimated 90% of Southborough homes lost power during the storm. For some the power was out for days.
It’s a scenario that could be similar to what we see this weekend from Hurricane Irene if winds are as strong as predicted.
No doubt many of you lived through Hurricane Bob in Southborough. What do you remember about the storm? What’s your prediction for how Hurricane Irene will compare? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
