Pittsfield Weathers Irene With Aplomb
 Julie Armata Reynolds posted this image of Merrill Road under water on Sunday on our Facebook page. The road is still closed in spots. Thanks to Reynolds and our other readers for the great photos and information. |
Pittsfield Fire Chief Robert Cwerwinski and other officials at the Emergency Management command center at the Columbus Avenue fire station said overall damage and emergency calls had been far less than expected.
Only 105 calls had been received in the previous 24 hours (circa 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday), a level of activity described as "very light" in comparison with that ensuing from the sudden microburst in July.
Only "about a dozen" tree or limb removals were necessary. Western Massachusetts electric company also described the volume of power outages experienced as far less than anticipated.
As throughout the region, the primary emergency issues in the city involved flooding. Roads with portions closed because of overwhelming water conditions included Lebanon Avenue, West Housatonic Street, Merrill Road, Hubbard Avenue Mountainview Drive, with the latter two reopening by around 4 p.m.
Officials said the biggest issue going forward into tonight would continue to be flooding issues, with rains returning and areas currently affected continuing to be overwhelmed. As areas drained, Cwerwinski said, the situation would alleviate, hopefully by early Monday morning.
Police officers and emergency workers spoken to all day have emphasized the need for extreme caution if driving in Berkshire County tonight, as the risks from flooded roads will increase with reduced visibility.
Tags: Irene, roads, storm,
