Saturday, February 23, 2013
Will this weekend's storm bring you to your breaking point?
It almost feels as if we are reliving the 2010-11 winter season, when every other week featured a big snowstorm. Although the first half of this winter was relatively quiet, February has reminded us we are still weeks away until the start of spring. This weekend will mark the third straight with a snowstorm strong enough to dump plowable snow in Acton. Are you at your boiling point? Do you hope you don't see another flake until December? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And remember ... according to that Pennsylvania creature, spring was supposed to come early.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?
All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …
Friday, February 8, 2013
Let's measure the blizzard through lawn ornaments!
We at Patch like to have fun – even when we’re covering a story as big as the Blizzard of ’13! So when the biggest storm in years (potentially in the history of Boston weather) is headed our way, we get into battle mode – and even get a little silly. That’s what this idea is about – and we want you to take part too! A fun way we want to track the storm across Massachusetts is through lawn ornaments. They serve a purpose in the spring and summer, but often feel left out in the cold of winter. Not anymore. We are posting photos of lawn ornaments throughout Massachusetts to highlight snowfall across the commonwealth during and after the storm. All you need to do is hit the Upload Photos and Videos button and upload your own. If we’re stuck at…
Check back often for updates, closings, power outages and more during the blizzard.
One Patch blogger offers some helpful tips for this possibly historic storm.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Director Dick Waite says he has a full crew ready to treat the town's roads.
Stay up-to-date on this weekend's snowstorm.
UPDATED: 4:16 P.M., SATURDAY Bruins game has been canceled. http://bruins.nhl.com/ ------ Statewide travel ban ending at 4 p.m. according to multiple reports. --------- Monday rain could put more weight on snow laden roofs. ------- Just a reminder driving ban still in effect. -------- The National Weather Service has lifted the blizzard warning for Middlesex County, 18 to 24 inches dumped during the storm. ------- I think we have a final total for Acton, courtesy WCVB: 25.4 inches! -------- Power outage update, a few more affected: -------- Just back from digging out myself. Some news from the T: The now two-day blizzard that has crushed Boston has caused the MBTA to stay shut down through Saturday. “Due to the impacts of a severe winter …
Elderly neighbors may need an extra helping hand during the stormy weather.
With the snow Winter Storm Nemo piling up, a deliberate act of kindness could be invaluable in helping an older adult to be safe over the next few days. Here’s a short list of ways to offer a bit of help to an aging neighbor who might be in need of some support: Even if you don't know your neighbor by name, chances are he or she would welcome your friendly “check in” and assistance. So don’t be shy, commit a act of neighborly kindness. Tell us: How are you helping your neighbors or family members during this storm? Is our list missing a tip or suggestion. Add it in the comments!
Here's the latest on how you need to prepare for Winter Storm Nemo in Acton.
Looks like Nemo is going to find us ... (Come on, you knew we couldn't get through this storm without at least one Pixar reference). As the day of Winter Storm Nemo's arrival draws closer, the forecasts aren't getting any less hairy. Looking at a couple of accumulation maps reveals that 16 inches for the Acton area appears to be the bare minimum. Eighteen inches minimum actually shows up on more maps, and the maximum numbers are at 2 feet or more. Fox 25 meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz told Patch via a tweet that he'd recommend people head home by 3 p.m. Friday ("to be safe"), especially if they plan to use the T. If you drive to and from work, plan to be home around noon, Fox 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear said on a morning newscast. …
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Possibility of 20 inches could bury the town Friday into Saturday.
UPDATED: 4 P.M. The Blizzard of '78 was 35 years ago. The Blizzard of '13 may be two days away. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for Acton and surrounding areas from Friday night through Saturday morning. According to the watch, "The worst of the storm will be Friday night into Saturday morning," with snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour possible. "Travel may become nearly impossible with blowing and drifting snow." Several news outlets can agree that a minimum accumulation of 18 inches is headed this way, but the maximum accumulation numbers vary. Here's the deal: - WCVB is predicting 25.3 inches of snow in Boston by 11 a.m. Saturday. - WHDH is calling for 15-20 inches of snow throughout the area that includes …
JT
3:40 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
People should use their common sense in situations like this--but there are always some who won't and will endanger others in the process. The ban was good in that respect, and the $500 fine certainly should have made folks think twice if they were hesitating over driving or staying home for no particular reason. However, the threatened jail time was absurd--and enough's been said about that here…   more ›