News & Notes: Weather Update, Snowplow Operator Dies

Staff reports
iBerkshires
09:42AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2008

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Nasty!

The Berkshires is determined to live up to its reputation for whacky weather.

Last-minute shoppers can expect to trudge through wet sludge as sleet and freezing rain covers the region. Temperatures will rise into the 40s through the afternoon, with sleet changing over to rain. There could even be a couple inches of snow in some areas.

All that icy rain will be falling on the foot or more of snow that fell over the weekend across the Berkshires. Then it will freeze over as temperatures tumble into the 30s later in the evening. Yuck.

Motorists are advised to take care in driving — there'll be plenty of icy spots out there. The nasty weather is already causing airport delays so, if you're planning to fly today, call ahead.

Two weeks ago, an ice storm pummeled the hilltowns, the New York Capital District and Central Massachusetts. The Berkshires valley was spared the brunt of the storm but Savoy, Florida and other small hilltowns struggled with downed trees and power lines for days. Some in Central Berkshire are just seeing their power come back.

Gov. Deval Patrick has asked President Bush to declare Worcester, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire counties disaster areas to expedite federal aid because of the ice storm.
 
"This storm caused significant damage and hardship across the commonwealth, with many families and businesses still displaced 10 days later and a big mess still to clean up," said Patrick.

The disaster "Public Assistance" program would reimburse communities, state agencies and elegible nonprofits with 75 percent of the storm-related costs for repair, reconstruction, debris removal and sovertime.


The Friday after the storm, temperatures were a balmy 58 on Main Street in North Adams. A week later, the region was hit by back-to-back snowstorms that dumped more than a foot of snow.

The state Emergency Management Agency is warning that rain on top of the heavy snow could cause roofs to collapse.

"If not cleared off roofs, the snow acts as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain, adding stress to structures," said MEMA Director Don Boyce. "Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly. Additionally, MEMA encourages citizens to clear storm drains in their neighborhoods to minimize local flooding problems from this run-off."

Christmas Day should be breezy, cold and dry. But don't worry. Another weather system is headed our way this weekend, likely bringing more rain.

Weekend Storms Claim Life Of State Snowplow Operator

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The weekend winter storms have claimed the life of a state highway plow operator.

The operator, identified as 58-year-old Dennis LaChapelle of Becket, was discovered slumped over the wheel of his truck early Saturday morning in a field on Route 41 in Pittsfield.

Pittsfield fire officials, who were among the first responders, suggested that Chapelle may have suffered a heart attack and lost control of his truck. The exact cause of death is unknown.

Chapelle, who was assigned to the MassHighway's District 1 office in Lenox, was a "hard-working, well-regarded employee" Highway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky told The Berkshire Eagle.

Mass Highway officials would not release the name of the operator pending notification of relatives but said he was assigned to the District 1 office in Lenox.


Mount Carmel Tradition Lives On

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mount Carmel Catholic Church may have been one of six churches the Roman Catholic Diocese Springfield closed this year but a longtime tradition of Mount Carmel will live on next month. 

With the help of transplanted parishioners at St. Joseph's Church, the 12th Night Festival will be held at Itam Lodge on Saturday, Jan. 10, beginning with a 5:30 Mass at St. Joseph's. 

Organizers told the Berkshire News Network they were delighted that St. Joseph decided to back them in their effort to keep a Mount Carmel tradition alive and celebrate the unity and diversity of the Pittsfield Catholic Community. Tickets are $18 and are on sale at St. Joseph's Rectory on North Street between the hours of 9 to 3 until Dec. 30.

Material from iBerkshires' media partner the Berkshire News Network was used in this report.