Monster Snowstorm Headed for Berkshires; School Closings Coming

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The third storm in a week is expected to dump a foot or more of snow on the Berkshires over Sunday and Monday. A foot or more of snow fell over Sunday and Monday, closing or delaying schools and offices across the region.

Call ahead to your destination to ensure it is open

Cancelled

* Adams Library and COA are closed today; Town Hall is open

* Paint and Chat at Mohawk Forest Community Center has been canceled

Berkshire Community College will hold evening classes beginning at 4 p.m.

Fire Departments are asking residents to clear out hydrants to make sure they are accessible. Home and business owners are required to clear sidewalks in front of their properties within 24 hours of a storm.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a double whammy starting mid-Sunday morning with sleet and freezing rain ending in the afternoon; a second wave will bring snowfall at rates of up to 4 inches an hour beginning Monday morning and ending sometime later that day.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the state with exception of the most southeastern counties.

According to NWS, the storm could bring heavy, wet snowfall, strong to damaging northwest winds. Areas north and west of the Massachusetts Turnpike may see 8-12 inches of snow; areas north of Route 2 may see 12-18 inches. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less at times.

The storm track will determine snowfall predictions. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will be communicating alerts and updates as the storm approaches.

The state Department of Transportation is offering some driving advice ahead Sunday's storm.

• Ensure you have a full tank of gas, flash light, blanket, jump cables, and other supplies in your car before heading out onto the roadways in winter conditions.
   
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving (start with the tailpipe).
   
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
   
• Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
   
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
   
• Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
   
• Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows — stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Most importantly please remember to slow down. Also, seat belts should be worn at all times — it's the law.

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