The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has issued a high wind warning from 6 p.m. Thursday into the afternoon on Christmas Day.
The forecast is for damaging winds of up to 70 mph that could blow down trees and power lines. NWS is predicting widespread power outages and difficult travel conditions.
The storm will be accompanied by heavy rains that could cause flooding in low-lying areas. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is warning of 2 to 3 inches of rain between Thursday and Friday night.
The city of North Adams issued a Code Alert asking for residents to prepare for power outages by charging phones and other devices, bringing in inflatable and holiday decorations and yard furniture, and limiting travel. City residents should contact police dispatch in case of emergency at 413-664-4944, and limit travel.
Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
National Grid reports its preparing for the powerful storm and that power outages could take days to restore.
"We have canceled employee vacations, secured additional crews, and put emergency plans in place in anticipation of this severe, ill-timed storm," said Michael McCallan, vice president of electric operations for New England in a statement. "We're prepared for the storm and its aftermath. We recognize that no outage is convenient, and we’re particularly conscious of the timing of this storm, when so many of our customers will be celebrating the holidays at home during what continues to be a challenging year."
Nearly 1,700 field-based workers in New England have been secured as part of National Grid’s emergency response operations. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires down, transmission, and substation workers.
The company says it has been preparing for the storm for days, and is continuing to monitor the weather, communicating with local officials, first responders, and life support customers.
The heavy rains will be followed by a deep freeze as a massive storm system that has resulted in blizzard conditions over the Midwest moves toward the Atlantic Coast. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s in the state of Florida.
"Advancing cold air will continue to catch up with the back edge of a storm and a trailing cold front in the Central, Southern and Eastern states, causing wintry weather and a slew of hazards for motorists," cautions Accuweather.
Tonight into Christmas Morning, near Record Warmth....
Temps climbing to 55 to 60....then falling rapidly in the afternoon.
Here are the expected High temps and Christmas Day Records.
Widespread 2-3 inches of rainfall forecast between tomorrow night and Friday night. STRONG gusty winds will accompany this rainfall as well. NUMEROUS power outages are possible. pic.twitter.com/hpAmRFD9r2
We’re ready for tomorrow’s storm, and encourage you to prepare for severe weather by assembling or restocking a storm kit with essential items. Here’s what you need:
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Local Chef, North Adams Police Team Up to Deliver Thanksgiving Meals
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
Det. Stephanie Mirante and Chris Bonnivier go over their list of addresses.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Three dozen local families will be feasting this Thanksgiving thanks to a local chef with some help from the Police Department.
Chris Bonnivier said he and his wife, Linda, have been providing 20 to 25 residents in tough financial circumstance with the ingredients for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for a dozen years — doing the shopping, packing and delivery.
"We got to the point, we have grandchildren now," he said. "We want to help. We're doing this by the grace of God, I'm a true believer, that we've been blessed and we're doing this on our own with his help."
But the effort had become wearing ... until a few more hands volunteered to help.
On Tuesday, Police Chief Mark Bailey and others gathered at 23 Eagle St. to pack bags with turkey and all the fixings.
It started with a call to MaryAnn King, a dispatcher, about the annual public safety toy drive. Members of the Police and Fire Departments and Northern Berkshire EMS do a toy drive at Walmart then wrap and deliver hundreds of presents.
King's been leading that effort for years and last year provided to toys to nearly 200 children. She'd contacted Bonnivier about matching some funds for a pallet of toys; Bonnivier responded by donating the total cost of the pallet and asking for helping hands in return.
Now dubbed the North Adams Recreation Center, the building attached to Brayton Elementary School has been scrubbed clean and opened last month for some activities.
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There are several events this weekend, including an immersive installation, live music, and book activities. See a list of upcoming bazaars, craft fairs and markets here.
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