Berkshires Digging Out From Slush
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Schools were closed throughout the county, including Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield.
The 6 or so inches of heavy wet snow was has been followed by rain, causing flooding along streets and roads as the temperature has hovered above freezing.
Drivers are urged to use caution in flooded roadways; as the temperature drops, the roads will become icy.
The Berkshire News Network, iBerkshires' news partner, reports small power outages in South County and flickering lights; some 53 customers reportedly lacked power in the Lee area.
WUPE Radio host Sherman Baldwin rode around Pittsfield to assess road conditions and found heavy along some of the major roads, including West Housatonic Street.
Berkshire Health Systems in Pittsfield was warning residents to be careful when shoveling the wet, heavy snow, according to WNAW.
Meetings, activities and classes around the region have been canceled today and for this evening; call ahead to ensure your destination will be open.
Continuing light rain is expected through the evening, turning to snow as the temperatures drops in the teens and 20s. There will be some sun on Valentine's Day as the storm system breaks up. But don't celebrate too soon - more snow may moving in the region by Sunday.
The state's Emergency Management Agency said the snow presents a danger for roofs and flooding.
"This is a wet snow and heavy rain, which this storm is producing present a threat for roof collapses, as well as localized street and basement flooding around the commonwealth," said MEMA Director Don Boyce. "If not cleared off of roofs the snow acts as a sponge, absorbing any additional sleet and rain, adding stress to structures. Flat, commercial roofs are most susceptible if they are not draining properly. Additionally, MEMA encourages citizens to clear storm drains in their neighborhoods to minimize local flooding problems from this run-off."
In many cases, roof ice dams have formed causing water build-up, leading to interior damage. To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof because of accumulated or drifting snow:
- Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs.
- If roof snow can be removed with the use of a snow rake, do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line.
- Try to avoid working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.
- Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
- Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.
- Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.
Berkshires Braces for Yet Another Storm - Feb. 12, 2008
By Sue Harrison
iBerkshires Intern
NORTH ADAMS - Commuters will be in for a slippery drive in the morning as yet another massive storm system moves in the the Northeast.
Snow began falling at about 5 this evening in North Adams. Williamstown and the surrounding area can expect the same, with snow accumulating at about an inch per hour in some regions. Visibility may be reduced to under a half mile and travel will become quite hazardous by mid- to late-evening, according to weather reports.
The National Weather Service is calling for a total accumulation of 6 to 9 inches.
North Adams has declared a snow emergency beginning at 8 tonight. No one is to park on the city's streets after this time, and any violators will be towed at their own expense. Reports request that all drivers take caution.
Heavy snowfall is moving up from the southeast and through the Ohio Valley after dropping several inches of snow and sleet on the nation's capital and mid-Atlantic states.
Between 1 and 4 Wednesday morning will bring sleet, followed by freezing rain across northern Massachusetts beginning around 6 a.m.
The changeover from snow to rain in the early hours of the morning could potentially add more than a quarter-inch of ice to the roads making for treacherous driving. Areas with a buildup of ice on the trees could cause scattered power outages, according to the state Emergency Management Agency.
Wednesday's forecast includes freezing rain with a high of 40 degrees and a low of 22. Rain showers will continue until 6 in the evening.
After a fairly mild beginning for the season, winter has come in force. This will at least the third storm over the past 10 days. The latest was this past weekend, when a slushy mix of snow and rain fell over Berkshire County; parts of Southern Vermont received more than 6 inches.
The Woods Forum, a meeting for forest landowners to discuss and decide future projects taking place on their land, scheduled in Tyringham for Wednesday has been postponed until Thursday. The Alzheimer's Support Group meeting to be held at VNA and Hospice of Northern Berkshire on Curran Highway has also been postponed until next Tuesday evening. The American Cancer Society of Berkshire County's Relay for Life meeting has also been postponed. The kick-off meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Itam Lodge in Pittsfield at 6 p.m.
Have cancellations or postponements? Send them to info@iberkshires.com.
