February may be been relatively mild — with even a couple 50 and 60-degree days — but Mother Nature is reminding us that winter is still in full force by sending a significant snowstorm our way.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has declared a 24-hour winter storm warning starting Monday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.
Expect heavy snow in Berkshire County with total accumulations of 4 to 9 inches. Snow will be heaviest between 10 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. Snowfall rates of half-inch to 1 inch per hour are expected.
Check iBerkshires on Monday evening and Tuesday morning for school cancelations, as students may get an extra day off after a week of winter break. Our friends at Greylock Snow Day say the weather models are "almost guarantees snow days for the well-rested students of Berkshire County." This may be true particularly in the northern parts of the county.
Snow will continue on Tuesday but will taper off through the day. Temperatures should remain in the mid-30s throughout Monday and Tuesday.
WTEN Channel 10 News in Albany, N.Y., is predicting up to a foot or more in the higher elevations of North Berkshire and Southern Vermont. Even parts of Adams into Cheshire could get 8 inches or more.
Pittsfield south is looking at 4 to 8 inches, though again, higher elevations could see up to a foot.
WBZ out of Boston has lower numbers for Western Mass, predicting 6 to 8 inches overall.
National Grid says it has prepared for this storm by securing more than 450 field-based crews and more than 1,382 total personnel as part of the company's emergency response operations. This includes overhead line, forestry, contractors, underground, damage assessment, wires down, transmission, and substation workers.
"National Grid has been monitoring the forecasts closely for multiple days, and we have secured additional crews and personnel across Massachusetts who are ready to respond as quickly and safely as possible to any impact this storm may bring," said Jeff Faber, director of New England Electric Operations.
With the exception of employees at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the governor has directed that non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplaces on Tuesday. Employees who have the capacity to telework will be expected to do so in accordance with the Telework Policy.
Snow Emergency Declarations
Pittsfield has declared a snow emergency from 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 through 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 1.
For the duration of the snow emergency, residents are asked to use off-street parking.
If off-street parking is not available, residents may park on the street observing the following
alternate side parking regulations:
Between 7 a.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday: parking is allowed on the odd side of the street;
Between 7 a.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday: parking is allowed on the even side of the
street; and
Residents in and around downtown Pittsfield are encouraged to use the McKay Street parking garage which will be open to the public free of charge starting tonight and continuing through the duration of the emergency.
All other existing and signed parking regulations remain active. Non-permitted vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing in any open municipal parking lot between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m.
Vehicles found in violation of the above parking regulations may be towed at the vehicle owner’s
Expense.
City residents are further advised that sidewalks and ramps abutting their property must be cleared of snow within 24-hours of the storm’s end. As a reminder, it is a violation of city ordinance to plow or otherwise dispose of snow from their property onto city streets and sidewalks. Residents are also encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants located near their properties.
Adams, Clarksburg and North Adams have also declared snow emergencies overnight, which means no on-street parking. Vehicles in violation may be towed. Don't wait for snow emergencies to move your vehicles off the streets.
A plowable snowfall event is expected overnight thru Tuesday evening.
????? Hazardous travel expected during the Tuesday AM commute – if you must be on the road, take extra caution and make sure your car is stocked with emergency supplies: https://t.co/xgPxkrRUKA#MAsnowpic.twitter.com/StcDrONDgm
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Clarksburg Joining Drug Prevention Coalition
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Select Board has agreed to join a collaborative effort for drug prevention and harm reduction.
The new coalition will hire a North County community coordinator who will be headquartered on the North Adams Regional Hospital campus and who oversee allocations for harm reduction, education and prevention efforts. Berkshire Health Systems has also committed about $120,000 over the next five years.
Clarksburg, one of the first communities to sign on to the opioid lawsuit filed by a consortium of states several years ago, has so far received payouts of $23,594.78. It's expected to receive nearly $64,000 by the end of the 16-year payout.
In October, the board had discussed whether to pool that money with other communities, expressing concerns that the small town would not receive enough benefits.
"Anytime there's a pooling of money I think countywide, I think we know where the bulk goes to," said member Colton Andrew said Monday. "I'm more open to the idea of keeping the money here but open to hearing your intentions and how the mony will be allocated."
Chair Robert Norcross said he felt there seemed to be a focus on harm reduction, such as the use of Narcan, and not enough for prevention or problem-solving.
But after hearing from members of the nascent coalition, members voted Monday night to partner with other Northern Berkshire communities.
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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The scope of the work includes demolishing the existing roof membrane, flashing insulation and protection boards on the existing flat roof, repairing and repainting the window frames and sashes, and painting and sealing all surfaces.
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Community, education and business leaders are promoting the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project as a critical component for economic development. click for more