Braintree Storm Center: Blizzard Warning Issued

BRAINTREE, MA — The first big storm of the season is heading this way and will bring high winds and plenty of show with it.

The National Weather Service is predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow for the Braintree area, with the potential of heavy snow and near blizzard conditions across Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Due to the expected conditions, a blizzard warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Residents should expect travel will be very dangerous, along with possible damage to trees and power lines, according to the NWS. Winds gusts as high as 60 mph will cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow.
Scattered to widespread power outages are anticipated.

A blizzard warning is issued when severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. The NWS advises residents to stay home and not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.

The South Shore also has a coastal flood warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. Moderate to major impact are likely and shore roads can expect widespread flooding, according to the NWS.

The temperature is not expected to break 30 degrees Thursday, with a low of 8 expected, then frigid temperatures for most of the weekend.

Here's what weather forecasters are predicting for us:

• National Weather Service: 12 to 18 inches
• NBC Boston/NECN: 12 to 16 inches
• WCVB: 10 to 15 inches
• WFXT: 10 to 16 inches
• WHDH: 12 to 16 inches
• WBZ: 12+ inches

Status Of School

Braintree students have Thursday and Friday off.

Friday Update

Town officers will open an hour late at 9:30 a.m. Trash will be collected as scheduled

Parking Ban

Per Mayor Joseph Sullivan, an on-street parking ban will start Thursday at midnight and last until Friday at noon. All residents are asked to refrain from non-essential driving.

Trash Collection

Trash pickup will proceed as normal beginning at 6 a.m.

Emergency Numbers

• In case of an emergency, dial 911
• Braintree Police Department - 781-842-1212
• Braintree Fire Department - 781-843-3600
• Braintree Electric and Light Department: 781-348-2353
• Highway Department: 781-794-8950
• Mayor Joe Sullivan's office: 781-794-8100
• National Grid power outages: 800-465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: 800-233-5325
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch