I was going to ask readers if they’d also experienced flickering power. Then I learned that at least one school already lost it’s main power.
Neary families were alerted that the school is operating on the backup generator. We’re assured that education hasn’t been interrupted. But there will be no after school activities.
It reinforces that I’m overdue in sharing the forecast for the storm impact on Southborough.
Normally, I would share some images from National Weather Services – but I’m having technical issues with my host today. So, that’s out. Instead, I’m embedding links below to the agencies’ images and graphs.
The media is focusing on the worst of it at the coast. But we’re certainly feeling the winds here and snow will be following the rain. Expect gusts to peak at about 54 mph around 4:00 pm today.
A worst case scenario by National Weather Services warns of potential for 11″ of snow. But that’s far from likely. The expected snowfall in our town is 1-2″ (maybe 3″ on the northern border). Prior to that, rainfall should reach 2-3″.
You can look at NWS’ hourly details of the Southborough forecast here.
Last night, Southborough Emergency Management shared some additional details and standard warnings:
Hazards:
- Flooding of streets, low-lying areas and small streams. Extent will be determined by when rain transitions to snow. Longer than forecasted rains will expand flooding potential to urban areas and larger rivers.
- The wet/heavy snow will itself have the potential to bring down braches & power-lines. Back injuries, clogged snow removal equipment and medical emergencies (such as cardiac) concerns are high.
- The strong sustained winds and gusts, especially combined with the snow, will create a high potential for isolated power outages and falling tress/limbs.
Preparation:
- Plan to remain inside throughout the height of the storm, later Friday through early Saturday
- Test and review the safe operations (read/watch on-line) of generators and other alternative power/heat equipment
- Raise items in basements
- Charge cellphones, laptops/tablets and flashlights
Emergencies:
- If you think you need 9-1-1 for an emergency, do not delay – emergency vehicle response will most likely be delayed due to weather/road conditions and possible multiple simulations emergency calls/incidents.
- If your basement floods above the bottom of your heating unit, call 9-1-1. Do not enter the basement. If safe, shut the unit off (or lower the thermostat all the way down) and/or shut off the fuel source.
- Use proper techniques shoving snow. Follow manufacture instructions for clearing out clogged snow removal equipment (sound silly but, it happens every storm, do not place your hands in to any equipment). Avoid over excursion – take it slow, take breaks & stay hydrated/feed. Unlike early in the season, this snow will start melting away pretty quick.
