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Weather Alert: Berkshires Getting Snow, Frigid Temperatures

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The Berkshires is line for 6 to 8 inches of snow to fall across the region beginning Sunday afternoon and into Tuesday morning.
 
This will be followed by another blast of Arctic air that will sent temperatures plummeting. 
 
All of Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, eastern New York and Connecticut are under storm warnings or advisories. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Berkshires beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday.
 
Snowfall rates of up to an inch an hour is expected by early Sunday evening. 
 
Winter parking rules are already in effect and communities including North Adams have instituted a snow emergency, which means no parking on the streets during the storm. 
 
In Pittsfield, parking is allowed on the odd side of the street from 7 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday and on the even side from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday to accommodate snow removal. Downtown residents are encouraged to use the McKay Street garage, which is available free during the snow emergency.
 
The National Weather Service is also predicting bitter cold temperatures early in the week, with wind chills between 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday through Wednesday night.  
 
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day so town and city offices, libraries, public schools, banks and post office will be closed so we do not anticipate any closing lists. 
 
We will post any cancellations of activities for Monday on our Facebook page. 
 
The state Department of Transportation is advising travelers to allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With widespread snowfall amounts forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff and equipment as necessary across the commonwealth.? 
 
Clear snow and ice from your vehicle's windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. 
 
Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.  
 
At home, prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. 
 
Manually check your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.  
 
"As we continue to monitor this storm, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors that may have plans to travel over this holiday weekend," said Gov. Maura Healey. "We advise you to use extra care on the roads Sunday into Monday morning and take the time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe."
 

Guidance is honing in on a track between Cape Cod & benchmark. This represents a slight east trend.This supports a widespread 4-8".Downeast Maine is on track for the most. Read our full,detailed forecast update here: #MAwx #CTwx #RIwx #NHwx #MEwx #VTwx www.newenglandstormcenter.com/post/snow-se...

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— New England Storm Center (@nestormcenter.bsky.social) January 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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