Brockton Storm Center: Blizzard Warning In Effect

BROCKTON, 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 Brockton area, with heavy snow and blizzard conditions expected. With the storm on the way, a blizzard warning has been issued from 1 a.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Friday.

The NWS says to expect travel to be very dangerous and damage to trees and power lines. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions. Residents are advised to not travel and if they must, bring a survival kit.

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

There's no school Thursday and Friday.

City Hall

City Hall will have a delayed opening at 11 a.m. Friday.

Parking Ban Update

A snow emergency parking ban goes into effect Thursday at 6 p.m. Below are the city's free off-street parking lots:

• Downtown Parking Garage on Crescent Street
• The parking lot on east side of Montello Street between Crescent Street and White Avenue
• Warren Ave lot on west side of Warren Avenue between Belmont and Bartlett streets
• South Street lot on South Street near Main Street, behind gas station
• Howard School located 837 North Main St.
• Whitman School located at 25 Manomet St.
• Edgar’s Playground on Dover Street

The emergency parking ban will be lifted at 5 a.m Friday. Vehicles parked in the Downtown Adams Garage will need to be moved by 8 a.m., according to the Brockton Emergency Management Agency.

The BAT

The Brockton Area Transit (BAT) has suspended service due to hazardous conditions. They will resume Friday with a Saturday schedule.

No Trash Pickup

Per Mayor Bill Carpenter, there will be no curbside trash pickup on Thursday, Jan. 4. Due to the Monday holiday, trash pickup was already on a holiday schedule. Wednesday’s trash will be picked up on Friday. Thursday’s trash will be picked up on Saturday.

Emergency Numbers

• In case of an emergency, dial 911
• Brockton Police: (508) 941-0200
• Brockton Fire: (508) 588-0585
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch