MA Snowstorm Cleanup Could Take Longer Than Usual: Patch PM

MASSACHUSETTS —It's Wednesday, Dec. 16. Here are the top stories Patch has been covering in Massachusetts today:

The state's top transportation official warned that cleanup from a storm expected to dump up to 14 inches of snow on most of Massachusetts could take longer than usual.

While the state is deploying almost all of its nearly 3,000 pieces of snow-removal equipment, the high rate of snowfall per hour in the forecast and the coronavirus pandemic could mean it will take longer than usual to clear roadways. MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack said many local towns that work with MassDOT to clear roadways have worker restrictions related to the pandemic that could cause delays.

Snow will start falling across Massachusetts between 7 and 11 p.m. Wednesday, and by the time it ends midday Thursday, most parts of the state will have been blanketed with 8 to 14 inches, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Boston.

Keep up with the latest storm updates, including updates from your town, on Patch.

Other Top Stories

No New Waltham Attacks Since Police Offered Reward

And police have also made no arrests. More than two weeks after the city announced a $5,000 reward for information on the person or persons responsible for 11, unprovoked, violent attacks across the city, there have been no new attacks. "There's nothing new to report at all," said Det. Sgt Stephen McCarthy.

Large Menorah Stolen From Worcester's Kelley Square

The Kelley Square menorah was one of two large Hanukkah displays in downtown Worcester, with a second behind City Hall. The menorah was stolen sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to Worcester police.

Students Protest Westford Decision To Cancel Basketball, Hockey

Westford Academy student athletes rallied Monday on the Town Common to protest last week's school committee decision to cancel the Basketball and Hockey season for the school year. Westford's School Committee voted 4-3 to cancel both seasons amid a second surge in coronavirus cases and as the town's coronavirus risk level rose to "high" first time.

Also Today

• Stop & Shop Not Enforcing Coronavirus Guidelines: Union
• Amazon To Lease Warehouse Near Worcester Airport
• Tewksbury Police Arrest Man, Charge With Assaulting Police
• Fire Destroys Home In Hingham

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).