MANCHESTER — Schools are closed for a second day as the city suffered its first blows from Hurricane Sandy.

The city opened its Emergency Operations Center Monday afternoon around the same time City Hall and other municipal offices were closed. The center was quickly flooded with calls, as officials responded to scores of reports of downed wires and trees.

“There's too many power lines down, so we're going to go on the safe side,” said Superintendent Thomas Brennan.

Decisions about when to reopen the schools will be made on a “day-by-day” basis, he said.

As of Monday evening, there were more than 5,400 homes without power in Manchester, representing about 9 percent of Public Service of New Hampshire customers in the city. The city has fared better than the surrounding towns of Hooksett, Auburn, Londonderry and Candia, where 83 percent of customers were without power Monday night.

The Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center on Hanover Street lost power and, as of Monday evening, it was operating with a backup generator.

Significant power restoration measures are not expected to begin at least until later today, should weather conditions allow utility workers to operate safely.

Downed lines, trees

The greatest concern for public safety officials has been downed power lines. Crews responded to downed lines Monday on sections of Eddy Road, Candia Road and Arah Street, where four utility poles were snapped by the wind.

“If people see any downed wires or trees, they should call the emergency center ASAP,” said Manchester Fire Lt. Kevin Healey. “They should not go anywhere near any downed trees or wires.”

This concern was echoed by Mayor Ted Gatsas.

“That's one of our biggest concerns as far as the schools — when power lines are down and kids walk down the street in the morning,” Gatsas said.

Gatsas said he spent much of Monday “hunkering” down at home while staying in regular contact with the emergency center.

The hurricane also prompted the cancellation of all flights in and out of Manchester Boston Regional Airport.

So far, Manchester has not opened its emergency shelter, unlike other communities around the state. Fire officials said they will be ready to open a shelter at Memorial High School if the need arises.

“So far there's been no request for shelter, but we'll be ready if there is,” Fire Chief James Burkush said.

Unblocking drains

Roadway flooding has been a problem at several intersections. As the rains continue, flooding and road closures could become a greater problem.

“We urge people to drive safely and slowly as they drive through puddles,” Public Works Director Kevin Sheppard said.

He added that residents can assist in preventing flooding by removing leaves from the grates of drains in front of their homes.

Despite the power outages and other problems, residents of the city seemed to be taking the hurricane in stride.

As of Monday evening, everything was “one hundred percent” at the Krol household on Candia Road, except for the toppled satellite dish, said Matthew Krol. “That goes out every time the wind gets over five miles per hour,” he said.

Krol, however, was keeping a nervous eye on a large maple tree up the road. “That thing's a beast,” he said.

The power did go out at at least one home on Arah Road, but the family has a generator. Her kids were having a great time late Monday afternoon. “They have no school. It's like camping,” said Deborah, who did not want her last name used.

The number for the city's Emergency Operations Center is 668-1308.

The storm also forced the cancellation of this week's Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, which will likely be rescheduled for next week.

Storm updates and emergency preparedness advice can be found on the city's website: www.manchesternh.gov. Residents can also sign up for alerts through Nixle, at www.nixle.com.

tsiefer@unionleader.com