Quincy Storm Center: Snow Emergency Declared

QUINCY, 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 Quincy area, with the potential of heavy snow and near blizzard conditions across Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Due to the expected conditions, a winter storm watch has been issued.

As of Wednesday morning, much of the area is in a winter storm warning until early Friday morning. Residents should expect travel to be very difficult to impossible and possible damage to trees and power lines. At times, near blizzard conditions are likely along with near white-out conditions.

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

Quincy students have no school Thursday.

Emergency Shelter

Due to flooding and the potential for loss of heat in some homes, Mayor Thomas Koch has directed an emergency shelter be opened at Quincy High School. Call 617-376-1105 for evacuation info or assistance.

No Trash Pickup

There will be no trash and recycling pickup Thursday. Wednesday's trash (which was scheduled to be picked up on Thursday due to holiday) will be collected on Friday. Thursday and Friday's trash will be collected on Saturday, according to the Quincy Police Department.

Parking Ban

Snow emergency parking rules will be in place beginning Thursday at midnight and will continue through at least Friday.

Residents may park on the odd numbered side of non-emergency neighborhood streets, but should always park in driveways if available. Parking is prohibited on all designated emergency arteries.

Cars parked in violation of emergency rules or impede snow plowing operations will be towed.

Emergency Numbers

• In case of an emergency, dial 911
• Quincy Police Department - 617-479-1212
• Quincy Fire Department - 617-376-1011
• 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