Strong wind gusts cause power outages and damage throughout MA and RI Friday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Strong wind gusts caused widespread power outages and damage across Massachusetts and Rhode Island early Friday morning.

Some residents, waking up to downed trees or powerlines– like Jay Chattelle in North Smithfield.

“I heard the wind it woke me up a couple of times… then we looked and I was like oh my god,” Chattelle showed ABC6 crews the damage to his backyard- a tree smashing two of his cars, the window of his garage punctured from a branch, and a downed powerline in his driveway.

Compared to other storms, Chattelle says he’s thankful no one was hurt– noting everything can be replaced.

“Giant trees all around my house, my kids sleep upstairs… what happens if this was my house you know,” he adds. Chattelle jokes, his next step is to remove all the trees in his backyard before another storm hits.

Chattelle says he is thankful his home never lost power, but many residents in Southern New England did. For the latest outages in Rhode Island please click here.

At one point Friday morning, there were more than 15,000 outages in Massachusetts.

Check back for updates, and ABC6.com for for the latest closing and delays.