Worcester Warns Residents of Potentially Life Threatening Major Storm

Monday, January 26, 2015
GoLocal Worcester News Team

On Sunday evening, the City of Worcester released a statement regarding the upcoming blizzard. According to the statement, the blizzard will begin on Monday and last until very early Wednesday morning. Due to the heavy snow, "travel will be dangerous and potentially life threatening" during the peak hours of the storm.

On Saturday, Worcester saw five inches of snow in the city. Beginning Monday night, an additional 24 inches of snow may land.

Worcester wants its residents to be aware of the high risk of power outages due to downed trees. 

According to the City Manager's office, Worcester is preparing for the storm in a number of ways, including:

-Worcester’s Division of Emergency Management has been monitoring the National Weather Service forecast throughout the day Sunday. They have kept in constant contact with the weather service, Worcester Public Schools, colleges and universities, EMS, National Grid and other agencies throughout the day.

-Worcester’s 911 center will be staffed with additional personnel

-Worcester expects to activate the city’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the city’s response across all city departments. The EOC will be staffed by City Manager Edward Augustus, Division of Emergency Management Director Richard Fiske, a number of other City of Worcester department heads, and emergency support personnel. 

-Department of Public Works salt trucks will pre-treat the city’s main arteries as soon as the first flakes fall. When the plowing operating begins, the city will have a full complement of 
350-400 pieces of equipment plowing, treating, and sanding Worcester’s 500 miles of public streets. 

-Worcester Public Schools expect to decide Monday afternoon whether to cancel school on Tuesday, based on the updated forecast.

-The city will periodically update the media and the public throughout the duration of the storm and the cleanup. The press can expect regular updates, and residents should follow the city on Facebook (facebook.com/worcestermsassachusettsofficial) and Twitter (@tweetworcester) for up to the minute information

- Emergency information will be available through the city's ALERTWorcester system

Tips for Residents of Worcester

Worcester also offers these tips for residents in the city:

1. Due to the winter parking ban, there is no parking on any of the city's major roads, bus routes or any street downtown.

2. Municipally-owned parking garages are open overnight for residents that want to get their cars off the street.

3. All snow and ice are required to be removed on any residential sidewalks 10 hours after snowfall.

4. DO NOT CALL 911 for anything but emergencies.

5. Power outages can be reported and tracked on national Grid’s website: NationalGrid.com

6. Call DPW Customer Service at 508-929-1300 to report down tree limbs, utility wires or blocked roads. Keep in mind that, because of the predicted snowfall amounts, it may take 
several hours for plows to get to your street. Especially during the height of the storm, the city’s priority will be keeping main routes open for public safety vehicles. THIS NUMBER IS ALSO THE CITY'S 'NO HEAT' HOTLINE in case of home losing heat. 

7. Please check on any neighbors who may be vulnerable and may not be able to shovel themselves out.

8. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, or any other electronic device before the storm comes.

9. In the event of a power outage, throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!

10. Stay tuned to radio and television media updates on the storm. Most importantly, stay warm and safe.