The flakes are falling in Southborough, and by the time all is said and done on Saturday, forecasters say we may have upwards of 2 feet on the ground. Governor Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency, and for the first time since the Blizzard of ’78, has ordered all cars off the road starting at 4:00 pm today.
I’ll be updating this post throughout the storm with the latest Southborough information, so be sure to check back. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.
Refresh your browser to see the latest updates. The most recent updates will be at the top.
Update Saturday, 3:30 pm: Governor Patrick has ended the travel ban for our area starting at 4:00 pm today, but keep in mind that narrowed roads and blowing snow may still make for tricky driving. Please be careful as you make your way around town.
Things seem pretty well under control here in Southborough, so this will likely be my last update to the Live Blog. I’ll be posting a gallery of your blizzard photos on the blog in a little bit. Contribute yours by emailing them to me at mysouthborough@gmail.com.
Update Saturday, 10:15 am: The official reading from the National Weather Service had snowfall in Southborough at 25.5 inches as of 6:46 am, but of course, it has continued to snow, so the final tally will be greater than that.
The statewide travel ban is still in place. Governor Deval Patrick has said he will reevaluate the ban later this morning, but media outlets are saying the ban may stretch into tomorrow in some parts of the state.
As you start digging out this morning, please remember to clear furnace vents on the side of your house to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. See this post for more information. The Southborough Fire Department also asks for your help digging out fire hydrants in your neighborhood.
Update Saturday, 8:50 am: The flakes are still coming down in Southborough this morning. I haven’t been out with a yardstick to measure, but reports on Twitter range from 21-26 inches in Southborough, with drifts even deeper.
National Grid does not report any power outages in Southborough, so that’s the best news of the morning.
Plows are out, but a travel ban is still in place, so you’re asked to continue to stay off the roads.
Update Friday, 10:15 pm: The snow and wind are picking up, as is the chatter on the police scanner. Fire crews responded to the Town Center Plaza for a small fire in the engine compartment of a plow-equipped pickup truck. A couple of vehicles have gotten stuck in the snow, including a pickup on Route 9 by the Volvo dealer and a car at the intersection of Boston and Framingham Roads.
National Grid reports nearly 80,000 customers are without power, but most of those are in Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties. Only a handful in Worcester county are in the dark at this point, none in Southborough. Here’s hoping it stays that way.
Update Friday, 5:30 pm: Things are relatively quiet as night falls on Southborough, but forecasters say the snow will continue with the heaviest bands and strongest winds still to come. The plows are out trying to keep things clear. Emergency responders have been called out to few incidents like a spinout on Woodland Road and medical calls, but so far nothing major.
Update Friday, 3:00 pm: A winter parking ban is in effect in Southborough so the plows can do their work. No street parking is allowed. Cars parked on the street may be towed.
Wonder if a smart minded plow service would post their number and availability?
Anyone know a solid plow guy? Not sure my 15 year old Toro has the will power for Nemo!
We can’t say enough about Nick from Nick’s Landscape & Construction. We’ve used him for lawn care and snow removal since we moved to Southborough. Quality work! He’s also local — from Southborough.
508.207.6796
No power outages yet in the Fayville area. Crossing fingers though!
Wayne on Southville rd but I don’t know his number…maybe a local out there does.
I also know of a Southborough based company called Jay’s Landscaping. Good guy, his phone number is: (508) 229-7829
He does a great job at cutting lawns in the summer and plowing in the winter. I absolutely recommend Jay for your snow removal needs.
I am so grateful. It’s Saturday morning, and so far we still have power.
We second Nick’s! He and his crew are great workers, and great neighbors.
Just waking up and it took me a minute to realize you meant am. Thanks for keeping us up to date. Thank god for power. Off to make breakfast
That was before I had any coffee. Fixed now. :)
:)
Here’s a question. We moved to this house after the 2011 ice-storms, etc. Old house took some roof damage. We bought a roof-rake, and used it basically once last year – to test it. Here’s the question: WHEN would you rake your roof from today’s storm? Right now? Give it a day or so? I just cleared the deck, and know it’s going to get filled once I attack the roof … Thanks for any advice.
I would do it sooner than later as it will be lighter today than it will be tomorrow after a really cold night. May continue to blow around today so you may need to do it a few times. Good luck.
Bruce,
You should use that roof rake as soon as possible after the storm. The sooner you get the snow off the roof, the less snow there will be to melt and possibly cause an ice dam. Once the ice dams start, and you can’t see them from the ground, you are in big trouble.
Ice dams are caused by heat escaping from the house through the roof, melting the snow, and the melted snow being unable to flow into the gutters. So, if you get ice dams, consider getting a free energy assessment from MassSave.com it is underwritten by the utility companies and they will pay a large portion of the cost to and insulation to your home. The home exam is free and you have no obligation to get the work done.
I saw a new style snow rake at Lowe’s that had a collapsible handle rather than the older ones that had individual sections. The new style only had a reach of 17 feet but that is probably fine for ranch style homes.
God Luck.
does anyone know if the transfer station is open today?
It’s closed. Won’t be open again until Wednesday.
I hope they’ve plowed the schools’ parking lots well. A couple of years ago they didn’t and parents were stuck in long lines waiting for cars to move.
Thank you, Susan, for this Blog! I was just wondering if the driving ban had been lifted, came on to your site and found out that it has been lifted. And many thanks for all the time you spend keeping us all informed and up to date on many issues in town. Invaluable.
Just a reminder to be sure your dryer vent is kept free from snow!