Storm Updates from Department of Public Safety

From: Packard, Christine (CDA)
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2015 3:19 PM
To: CDA-DL – ALL; CDA-DL – ESF Team; CDA-DL – Public Sector; CDA-DL – Private Sector; EPS-DL – SA-Executive-Agencies; sitreps@nesec.org
Subject: Situational Awareness Statement #9 – Long Duration Winter Storm with Moderate to Heavy Snow through Late Monday Night
 

DATE:  February 9, 2015

TIME:  3:15 PM

Long Duration Winter Storm with Moderate to Heavy Snow through Late Monday Night

Watches and Warnings:

Winter Storm Warnings have been posted for all of Massachusetts north of the Cape Cod Canal through 1 AM Tuesday morning.  A Winter Storm Warning means that severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring and total snowfall is forecast to exceed 6”.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Cape Cod until 1 AM Tuesday for periods of freezing rain, sleet and snow.

Forecast Summary from the National Weather Service:

Periods of snowfall falling at the rate of a half inch to an inch per hour will continue into the evening, especially across eastern Massachusetts. Snow will end in western MA by midnight and by approximately 7 a.m. tomorrow in eastern Massachusetts.

Total accumulations of 14 to 18 inches across Boston, the North Shore, the South Shore, Worcester Hills, and the eastern slopes of the Berkshires are expected, with locally higher amounts of 20-24 inches possible in Boston, Metro West, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Some areas of the South Shore have already received nearly 2 feet of snow due to a strong coastal front convergence. Much of the rest of the state will receive between 8-14 inches, except for the south coast which will receive 4-8 inches, the Upper Cape which will receive 3-5 inches, and the Outer Cape and Islands which will receive 1-3 inches.

The National Weather Service is monitoring the potential for another snow event Thursday into Friday.  In addition, frigid air, probably the coldest so far this season, is likely to move into New England toward the end of the week, followed by the potential for another coastal/ocean storm this weekend. More details on these events will follow once this storm ends.

SKYWARN observers report the following snowfall totals:

As of 1:30 PM:

·         Norwell, MA: 23.3″

·         Walpole, MA: 12.5″

·         Dover, MA: 12.2″

·         Norwood, MA: 12.1″

·         West Peabody, MA: 11.0″

·         Ipswich, MA: 11.0″

·         Millis, MA: 11.0″

·         North Attleboro, MA: 10.6″

·         Heath, MA: 9.5″

·         Taunton, MA: 8.0″

·         Easthampton, MA: 7.8″

·         Wayland, MA: 7.0″

·         Ludlow, MA: 6.5″

As of 12:55 PM:

·         Dedham, MA: 20.0″

·         Hubbardston, MA: 12.5″

·         Chelsea, MA: 12.0″

·         Framingham, MA: 12.0″

·         Concord, MA: 9.5″

·         North Chelmsford, MA: 9.0″

·         Granby, MA: 8.3″

·         Easthampton, MA: 7.8″

·         Taunton, MA: 7.5″

·         Ludlow, MA: 6.5″

·         Ware, MA: 6.5″

Current Radar Screenshot (3:10 PM) of the Commonwealth (Blue is Snow, Pink is Mix, Green is Rain)

Impacts

·         Travel conditions may be difficult through the evening commute with possible lingering impacts on the Tuesday morning commute.

·         Snow will fall at rates up to 1” per hour at times, particularly in eastern Massachusetts, and visibility may be low to near-zero due to winds and the light texture of the snow.

·         Drifting snow may also be a problem at times, particularly near the coast.

·         Large piles of plowed snows on the sides of roads and at intersections may reduce visibility and further narrow roadways.

·         A number of municipalities have instituted parking bans, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Worcester. In addition, DCR has implemented a parking ban on all DCR roadways.

·         State offices are closed today.  Governor Baker has requested all non-emergency personnel from Executive Branch agencies not report to work.

·         The City of Boston has closed offices today.

·         Large numbers of communities have cancelled school for the day.  Boston Public Schools are closed today and tomorrow.

·         Large amounts of heavy snow on roofs may lead to structural weaknesses or collapses in some cases.  Safety and preparedness tips for dealing with snow on roofs may be found on MEMA’s website at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/roof-collapse-and-storm-dain-safety-information.html

·         More general safety and preparedness tips for severe winter weather may be found on MEMA’s website at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/winter-storms.html

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level 2 (Partial Activation) as of 5 AM today with staff from MEMA and a number of state agencies, including MassDOT/MBTA, DCR, DEP, DPS, and State Police.

Resource Requests

·         Braintree: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Easton: Requested salt assistance.  Provided list of Salt Vendors to them.

·         Essex: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Gloucester: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Lynn: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Nahant: requested assistance with plowing main route.  DCR providing assistance.

·         Norton: Requested salt assistance.  Provided list of Salt Vendors to them.

·         Norwell: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Revere: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Rutland: Requested salt assistance.  Provided list of Salt Vendors to them.

·         Topsfield: Requested assistance with snow removal.  Provided with list of vendors.

·         Whitman: Requested salt assistance.  Provided list of Salt Vendors to them.

Building Structure Impacts

There have been six building/roof collapses (one in Bridgewater, one in Quincy, two in Norwell, and two in Rockland) and one building in Weymouth near collapse related to heavy snow accumulation.

DEP Guidance on Snow Disposal in Open Waterways

Due to the extraordinary weather experienced by the Commonwealth in the past several weeks, municipalities throughout the Commonwealth are facing significant challenges in their efforts clear, remove and dispose of historic accumulations of snow. MassDEP recognizes that cities and towns may need to undertake emergency measures to ensure protection of public safety.

As communities proceed with necessary emergency snow disposal, it is recommended you use the best management guidelines included in MassDEP’s Emergency Disposal Guidance (http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/regulations/snow-disposal-guidance.html), including:

·         Dispose of snow in open water with adequate flow and mixing to prevent ice dams from forming.

·         Do not dispose of snow in saltmarshes, vegetated wetlands, certified vernal pools, shellfish beds, mudflats, drinking water reservoirs and their tributaries, Zone IIs or IWPAs of public water supply wells, Outstanding Resource Waters, or Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.

·         Do not dispose of snow where trucks may cause shoreline damage or erosion.

·         Consult with the municipal Conservation Commission to ensure that snow disposal in open water complies with local ordinances and bylaws.

Communities that intend to dispose of snow in open water as outlined above must provide advance notification to DEP.  For the next 48 hours, notice can be provided to DEP through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (508-820-2000).  Communities must also consult with their Conservation Commission prior to disposing of snow in open water.

MassDOT / MBTA Updates

The MBTA plans to operate today, but at a lighter service level to provide access for riders who must travel while preserving vehicles and assets to quickly return to regular service after the storm ends. Passengers who must travel today are urged to plan ahead, be patient, and check http://www.mbta.com/winter for updates.

MassPort plans to operate today, but the number of flights will be limited. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines before arriving at Logan International Airport.

MSP Updates:

Troop A – Northeastern:

Snow continues to fall heavily in the troop. Roads remain slippery and snow covered with several spin outs. Staffing remains at approximately 60 Troopers and Sergeants. Courts are cancelled, court officers are on patrol.

Troop B – Western:

Light snow. All major and secondary roads are plowed and treated. Road clearing efforts in full force. Troop B manpower increase is +15 including court officers, CAT team members and K-9 patrols. No road closures. No storm related significant incidents (downed trees on highways, power outages, etc.)

Troop C – Central:

Interstate highways and secondary roads are snow covered. Due to road conditions numerous cars are off the road in various locations around Troop C. No road closures at this time. No significant incidents or power outages at this time.

Troop D – Southeastern:

Snow Falling. Roads are snow covered. Temp. 31 Degrees. Traffic is moderate. MaDOT out in force plowing the roadways. Several spinouts on the roadways. No significant incidents.

Troop E – Turnpike – Zakim Bridge – Tunnels:

Speed has been reduced to 40 mph on the entire roadway.  Tandems and tankers have been restricted.

E-1 SP Weston- Snow covered roadways with light traffic. No ongoing incidents.

E-2 SP Charlton-Snow covered roadways with light traffic. No ongoing incidents.

E-3 SP Westfield- Snow covered roadways with light traffic. No ongoing incidents.

E-4 SP Tunnels- Snow covered roadways with light traffic. No ongoing incidents.

Troop F – Logan Airport:

Logan International Airport:

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 19 degrees Fahrenheit

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow covered but passable; being plowed and salted

Airport Status: Open

Power Outages: None

Current Flight Status: A few airlines stopped operation for the morning, others for the day. The rest are on limited schedule. Many cancellations.

Hanscom Airport:

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 14 degrees Fahrenheit

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow covered but passable

Airport Status: Open

Power Outages: None

Current Flight Status: Open for general aviation. Runways and taxiways operational.

Worcester Airport:

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 12 degrees Fahrenheit

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow covered- Passable, being plowed.

Airport Status: Closed

Power Outages: None

Current Flight Status: No flights

Conley Container Terminal:

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 19 degrees.

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow covered; snow removal continues

Port Status: Closed for the day

Power Outages: None

Seaport

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 19 degrees

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow removal continues; roads passable

Traffic Conditions: Moderate traffic

Power Outages: None

Charlestown Properties

Current Weather Conditions: Snow falling, 19 degrees

Current Roadway Conditions: Snow removal continues; roads passable

Traffic Conditions: Moderate traffic

Power Outages: None

Troop H – Metropolitan Boston:

Roadways are snow covered and slippery. Traffic is relatively light at this time. DOT crews are on the road attempting to keep the roads clear. There have been reports of spin outs at various locations.

H-Troop staffing includes one Shift Supervisor, one Patrol Supervisor and patrols as follows:

H-1 SP Beacon Hill: Desk and two patrols

H-2 SP Framingham: Desk and four patrols, supplemented by three CAT Team members

H-3 SP Foxboro: Desk and six patrols,

H-4 SP Boston: Desk and four patrols

H-5 SP Brighton: Desk and six patrols

H-6 SP South Boston: Desk and eight patrols

H-7 SP Milton: Desk and eight patrols

Five members of CVES are working in the H-Troop area to assist with storm patrols.

DPS Updates:

The Department of Public Safety Commissioner is at the SEOC.  DPS Inspectional Teams are pre-staged in their district offices in the eastern section of the state.  8 teams are available for immediate deployment; an additional 8 teams are on stand-by. DPS inspectors have responded to the scene of a building collapse in Bridgewater.

DEP Updates:

DEP has dispatched personnel to the scenes of building collapses in Bridgewater and Rockland.

DCR Updates:

Hull Shore Ext. Closure:

·         Due to an open manhole cover, Hull Shore EXT has been temporarily closed until further notice.

·         DCR engineering, MEMA and MassDOT have been notified

Emergency Snow Removal:

·         DCR is pleased to announce that Mass DEP has agreed to consider the use of open water spaces for snow removal for Municipalities and State Agencies.  This would allow for the relocation of snow onto coastal beaches in order to better utilize urban space during large snow storms.

·         As DCR proceeds with necessary emergency snow disposal, DEP recommends the use of guidelines included in MassDEP’s Emergency Disposal Guidance.

Salt:

·         Eastern Salt will be open until 9:00 PM tonight, Monday, February 9, 2015.

·         MassParks Depots have been receiving some salt deliveries today, Monday, February 9, 2015 via Eastern Salt and contracted salt hauling services.

·         DCR has been coordinating with MassDOT today, Monday, February 9, 2015 in an attempt to gather salt for all DCR salt locations that are in need.

·         Eastern Salt informed DCR that they may use their own and contracted trucks to pick up deliveries for locations in need of salt.

Mt. Tom Closure:

·         Due to excessive snowfall, the road to Mt. Tom has been closed until further notice.  Staff will plow that area once conditions are safe.

Interagency Assistance:

·         The Mountains Depot has staged a full size dump truck in Stony Brook which is being used for hauling salt from Eastern Salt Co. to various MassParks Depots through the duration of the storm.

·         The Myles Standish Depot has staged a Mack 10 Wheel Dump Trailer on standby at the Neponset Depot to use for hauling salt.

·         Both vehicles arrived in the Boston Region Sunday, February 8, 2015.

Town of Nahant Assistance:

·         DCR crews successfully assisted Nahant with reopening the main road in Nahant. Town had difficulty maintaining due to drifting. DCR will continue to assist the town throughout the duration of the storm.

Stay Informed

For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Taunton) and www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Online Resources:

For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Northeast River Forecast Center: http://www.weather.gov/nerfc/

Mass211 at www.mass211.org