Communities Issue Snow Emergencies as Storm Bears Down
Communities are calling pre-emptive snow emergencies throughout the county in preparation for a possible foot of snow to drop in the region.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., is now predicting a foot or more of snow to fall over the Berkshires and Southern Vermont overnight. A winter storm warning for the region is effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. on Thursday.
Snowfall is expected to start late Wednesday afternoon with rates of 1-2 inches per hour at times. Gusty winds will lead to blowing and drifting snow at times, especially from around the Capital District in New York and points south and east. Travel will become difficult to impossible, especially for the Thursday morning commute. Forecast snowfall amounts have increased along and north of the MassPike when compared to previous forecasts as the expected storm track and placement of heavy snowbands has shifted northward.
"This has the potential to be a whopper of a storm for some regions of Massachusetts," said Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack. "Most of Massachusetts is about to see a powerful winter storm that will bring with it snow, heavy at times and strong gusty winds. The best way to stay safe is to stay home if you possibly can."
Pollack, speaking at a winter storm briefing in Boston, said driving conditions may be dangerous, especially with the potential for a flash freeze. There also may be delays in keeping the roads clear because of shortages of highway crews at state and local levels because of changed operating procedures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
MassDOT's Highway Division will be activating a full deployment of contractor and in-house resources and expects to mobilize 3,800 pieces of snow fighting equipment to perform ice and snow operations on more than 15,000 miles of roadway throughout the state.
Closures:
- The Adams Fire District Office will be closed Thursday, Dec. 17.
- Early Childhood Center at Hevreh in Great Barrington will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 17.:
Delays
- Adams Community Bank drive-up windows will not open until 10 a.m. on Thursday at all branch locations.
- West Stockbridge tax classification hearing delayed from Thursday to Monday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.
Schools
- North Adams Public Schools will have a remote learning day on Thursday as scheduled. No meal service due to the snow storm.
Pittsfield
Pittsfield's snow emergency declaration will begin Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. and run through Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m.
During this time, residents are asked to use off-street parking. If unable to park off-street, please
follow alternate side parking regulations:
- Between 7 p.m. on Wednesday and 7 p.m. on Thursday: Vehicles may be parked on the even side of the street.
- Between 7 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. on Friday: Vehicles may be parked on the odd side of the street.
- All existing and signed parking regulations remain active.
Non-permitted vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing in any open municipal parking lot between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.
Next-day trash services in the City of Pittsfield will be delayed one day. Thursday's route will be picked up on Friday; Friday's route will be picked up on Saturday.
North Adams
A snow emergency has been declared for the city of North Adams from 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, until 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17.
Residents may not park vehicles on city streets and are encouraged to limit their travel during this time to allow for the clearing of streets throughout this extended storm.
In addition, all residents and visitors should note that the overnight parking ban is in effect and will be enforced and that residents and businesses should clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the storm, per city ordinance.
Residents also are encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants located near their houses. Finally, community members needing assistance during the storm should contact Public Safety dispatch at 413-664-4945.
Adams
Adams declared a snow emergency Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. through 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Town Code requires that for the duration of the storm emergency:
- No vehicle is permitted to park or stand unattended upon any street, highway, traveled way, or public parking lot during a storm emergency.
- No vehicle is permitted to park or stand unattended on any open municipal parking lot during a storm emergency permitting the lot to be effectively cleared of snow.
The duration of the storm emergency covers the anticipated period of the storm as well as the time required for the Town's DPW forces to clean up streets after the storm ends. Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations will be ticketed and towed at the vehicle owner's expense.
Town Code requires sidewalks abutting their property be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after the storm event has ended and prohibits the plowing, throwing, pushing or otherwise disposing of snow from their property onto public streets and sidewalks.
Residents and business owners are also encouraged to please clear snow from around fire hydrants located near houses or businesses.
This is a test protocol and a calendar date on-street parking restriction may be re-implemented if snow removal efforts by DPW forces are hampered by vehicles that are not moved
Lenox
The town of Lenox has declared a snow emergency beginning Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. continuing through Thursday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Any vehicles parked on any streets townwide will be towed at the owner's expense for snow removal purposes.
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