The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Sunday morning through Monday evening throughout much of Massachusetts, with possible snowfall anywhere between 8 and 15 inches. A cold weather advisory has also been issued from 10 p.m. Friday evening to 10 a.m. Saturday morning.
With these conditions, the Town of Marblehead is declaring a snow emergency parking ban and offering residents tips to handle the extreme weather conditions.
Snow Emergency Parking Ban: Declared for Sunday at 12PM (Noon). Due to the unpredictably of this storm event, the ban will not be lifted until the road conditions are safe (most likely Monday afternoon). Please visit the Town of Marblehead website and Police/Fire social media pages for updates on parking restrictions.
When a snow emergency is declared, parking will be restricted on public roadways during the designated hours of the parking ban. Vehicles found in violation of the parking ban may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense to ensure that roads remain clear for emergency vehicles and snow removal operations.
Residents and visitors are urged to plan and park responsibly to help keep roadways clear and safe throughout this winter weather event prior to the Sunday parking ban at noon.
According to the National Weather Service, a significant winter storm is forecast to affect much of New England this weekend, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snowfall rates may be heavy at times, with precipitation possibly mixing with sleet or freezing rain, particularly in coastal areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed, limit travel when possible, and take the following necessary precautions to remain safe during the storm:
When going outside:
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Wear a hat.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
Protect your home’s pipes:
- Let hot and cold water trickle or drip at night from a faucet.
- Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or near an outer wall.
- Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
- Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.
- NEVER try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Use a hair dryer instead.
- Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Home Preparation:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
- NEVER run generators indoors.
- NEVER use a gas oven to heat your home.
- If your heat goes out, keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing a hat.
Vehicle Preparation:
- Check your battery
- Check your fluids (coolant, wiper fluid, oil, etc.)
- Check your tires
- Have jumper cables
- Stock your car with blankets, clothing, etc.