O'Brien Towers on Bicknell Street damaged by strong winds

O'Brien Towers on Bicknell Street damaged by strong winds

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O'Brien Towers on Bicknell Street damaged by strong winds

A chunk of roofing material was ripped from the roof of an 8-story apartment building in Quincy during the powerful nor'easter that struck overnight.

The material came from the roof of O'Brien Towers on Bicknell Street, which is part of the Quincy Housing Authority. Chunks of pink insulation and other layers of the roof were scattered across the rear parking lot and lawn beside the brick building.

"I heard the loudest crash I'd ever heard in my life," said resident Jim Morgan. "I thought the building was collapsing."

Some large pieces fell onto an air conditioning system. Other pieces were still dangling from the roof.

From the ground, some of the balconies along the building also appeared to have been damaged and wires were hanging from the damaged structure.

Officials said the roof was recently installed but was peeled off the building by powerful gusts early Wednesday morning. A sheet metal layer was undamaged and officials said residents remained in their apartments on the top floor.

Plans to evacuate the building were being made, in case it becomes necessary, officials said.

No one was injured in the incident.

According to the National Weather Service, the peak wind gust reported from Norfolk County was 72 mph, observed in North Weymouth at approximately 5:17 a.m.

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