The Berkshires could see its first major winter snow event this weekend with some outlets predicting over 10 inches to fall starting Saturday night.

 

iBerkshires has its first cancellation: The take-and-eat meal ministry this Sunday at All Saints Church in North Adams. We will update this listing if we receive more cancellations. 

 

Pittsfield has declared a snow emergency and reminds residents that if they do not have off-street parking to park on the even side from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday and on the odd side from 7 a.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday. The McKay Street parking garage is open for free overnight parking for the duration of the emergency. Residents are also required to clear their walks and ramps within 24 hours of the storm's end. Non-emergency, storm-related concerns

can be reported to the Highway Department at 413-499-9314, option 2 or dpw@cityofpittsfield.org.

 

The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has placed a winter storm watch in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening in Berkshire County. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible.

 

This is quite a bit more than the 3 to 6 inches reported earlier this week.

 

Snowfall rates may be close to one inch per hour at times from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.

 

Greylock Snow Day expects between 6 and 9 inches pointing to a high minimum and very high maximum being predicted. They stated that most meteorologists are showing a minimum of 5 inches while others are reporting a maximum between 14 and 17 inches.

 

According to the Greylock Snow Day Blog:

 

"Even though this storm is showing a high minimum and a very high maximum, we don't like the wide variability. This means the storm could still disappoint. We'd prefer to see a narrower band between the low and high possibilities, which would indicate more consistent runs of the models. But, let's not forget — we're talking about the weather here.

 

Greylock Snow Day expects the snow to start falling around 7 p.m. on Saturday, tapering off Sunday afternoon.

 

They reported that unless Berkshire County is hit with the maximum amount of snow predicted, do not expect delays Monday. 

 

• Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood, and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. 
• Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets. 
• Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.