Despite a major winter storm that dumped a layer of snow and ice on the Northeast during the wee hours of Sunday morning, the Berkshires and Southern Vermont survived the storm practically unscathed.
Though a snow emergency was declared in Pittsfield for the weekend and into Monday, much of the Northern Berkshire area managed to avoid the worst parts of the winter weather. Plows continued clearing roadways throughout the day and no accidents were reported in Adams, North Adams, Williamstown, Pittsfield or Southern Vermont.
"It's slippery but nobody has been out there traveling. Everybody stayed in," said Sgt. James Burdick, of the North Adams Police Department, on Sunday morning.
"A few cars slid off the road but nothing major in our area," said a spokesman for the Vermont State Police barracks in Shaftsbury.
Power outages across the region were minimal, but the most damage hit Bennington and Rutland counties in Vermont, which includes Pownal, when high winds felled several trees. A Central Vermont Public Service representative said up to 10 crews were working to return power to the area by the late evening.
Because of a tree knocked down on East Road, residents in Stamford, Vt., lost power for several hours this morning, before it was restored just after 7 a.m.
As more snow is expected to wallop the Northeast this evening and into the morning, several winter weather warnings have been issued, cautioning motorists to stay off the roads and urging citizens to be aware of health risks when shoveling heavy snow.
North Adams has issued a snow emergency, meaning no cars can be parked on city streets until after 7 a.m. Monday.
According to the Weather Channel's Web site, snow is likely to fall again through the evening with a chance of snow showers throughout the morning. The Northern Berkshires have also been named as an area in danger of significant ice accretion because of freezing rain. The total accumulation is estimated at 3 to 6 inches and a winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday.
Vermont Emergency Management offers these tips for being safe during extreme winter weather:
Safety tips:
Residents should use caution when digging out from any storm. Excessive snow shoveling can cause a range of health problems, from back injuries to heart attack, if not done in moderation. Citizens should not over exert themselves and take frequent breaks from shoveling.
If power is lost and you run a generator, it is important that the generator is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; an improperly operated generator can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu, but without the fever and may include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department for assistance from a safe location.
If you get stuck in deep snow while driving, do NOT let your engine idle if your exhaust pipe is buried. Idling with a buried exhaust pipe can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect that you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately.
Other tips for the road
Check road and weather conditions before leaving.
Avoid traveling unless necessary and always allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition with snow tires and winter windshield wiper blades.
Watch for and expect changing road conditions, black ice, blowing snow, high winds or whiteout conditions can appear when you least expect them to.
The single most important rule is to drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions. The posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra room, extend the following distance from other vehicles ahead.
If your car doesn't make it to your destination, pull as far off the road as possible, to minimize any further traffic hazards, and stay in the car. Even a short walk in winter storm conditions can be dangerous.
Carry a cell phone and use 911 in case of an emergency, but do not become overdependent on a cell phone.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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