Incoming Storm to Bring Snow And Ice to the Berkshires
The National Weather Service has declared a winter weather advisory for Berkshire County beginning Thursday, Jan. 19, from 11 am to Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 pm.
Accuweather predicts that snow should begin around 5 pm on Thursday, and it will continue throughout the day Saturday. Snow is predicted to continue through the weekend into Monday, Jan. 23.
Expect mixed precipitation with a total snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches. Ice accumulation could be up to an inch.
Plan for slippery roads and hazardous conditions.
The state Department of Transportation has issued a winter storm advisory advising motorists to practice caution.
Drivers should allow extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations as this will be a long-duration storm system. Travelers should exercise caution, especially in areas of higher elevation, primarily the northern and western parts of Massachusetts and along the New Hampshire border.
MassDOT will be deploying sanders and plows as needed.
Snow Emergencies
The city of Pittsfield has already declared a snow emergency effective 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 through 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.
For the duration of the snow emergency, residents are asked to use off-street parking. If off-street parking is not available, residents may park on the street observing the following alternate side parking regulations:
- Between 7 a.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday: parking is allowed on the odd side of the street;
- Between 7 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday: parking is allowed on the even side of the street; and
- Residents in and around downtown Pittsfield are encouraged to use the McKay Street parking garage for overnight parking which will be open to the public free of charge starting, Thursday through the duration of the emergency.
All other 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 12 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations may be towed at the vehicle owner's expense.
City residents are further advised that sidewalks and ramps abutting their property must be cleared of snow within 24 hours of the storm's end. As a reminder, it is a violation of city ordinance to plow or otherwise dispose of snow from their property onto city streets and sidewalks. Residents are also encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants located near their properties.
School Cancelations
North Adams Public Schools announced that there will be no after-school program or dinner service. All athletic practices have been canceled.
The Central Berkshire Regional School District has canceled all afterschool events and activities.
Pittsfield Public Schools has canceled after-school programs and sports due to the upcoming storm.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires will be closing at 6pm tonight 1/19/2023 and there will be no basketball games.
Hoosac Valley High School: all after-school activities are CANCELLED for today
[12:30 PM] Minor to moderate travel impacts are expected this afternoon (left) through Friday (right) as accumulating snow and mixed precipitation will make for slick roads. If you need to travel over the next 24-36 hours, please exercise caution! pic.twitter.com/wf718b1rXA
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 19, 2023
A look at #Albany as of noon! pic.twitter.com/3zC7VaPiYr
— Alyssa Caroprese (@CBS6Alyssa) January 19, 2023
Latest -> https://t.co/W1L9MPZNpB
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) January 19, 2023
[Evening Commute] Travel impacts this evening, due to accumulating snow, will generally be near the Rte 2 corridor, north. Precipitation will be more mixed between Rte 2 & I-90, and all rain across far southern New England. Accumulating snow will become more widespread overnight. pic.twitter.com/rFDBhZ88bc
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 19, 2023
Tags: snow & ice,
