UPDATED: Another Storm Update from TA Boynton

Additional Storm Update from TA Michael Boynton:

1) DPW crews have completed phase 1 of storm clean up. Roads are open & passable, and the deicing chemicals are doing their work. Two loaders and a sander are still working to address intersections and other safety needs. They can respond to Police & Fire needs as well

2) DPW crews will be back in at 8 a.m. tomorrow to resume clean up at schools and to work on sidewalks.

3) Snow removal Downtown and in East Walpole will take place overnight Monday into Tuesday. There is simply too much snow to do it safely during the day. I have made arrangements with MCI Cedar Junction to dispose of snow there as we have done previously.

Michael

***

Good Morning!

As daylight is arriving here I wanted to give you an update on the storm, the current issues, and the clean up.

1) The heaviest of the storm appears to be ending. Our weather folks are advising an additional 3-4 hours of snow activity with up to 2-4 additional inches. Accumulations thus far range from 20 to 24 inches across Town.

2) The Power is on and for the overwhelming majority of Town has stayed on. NSTAR is reporting 4 customers without power. One is the Delaney Water Treatment Plant on Washington Street. They appear to have lost one phase of power there, and the plant is on generator power. Systems are normal currently, but NSTAR can not give a final restoration time until the wind subsides.

3) With the Power remaining on, there has not been a request for shelter here. It is unlikely that we will need a shelter going forward as long as the power stays on.

4) The EOC is still operational. We had a limited crew in all night, and these folks are the best! The call volume has been very light, likely due to the power staying on. As such, we will look to scale back the EOC operations on or just after 10AM this morning, and return to normal snow operations and Communications through Police Dispatch. Shelter & EOC teams are on stand by if needed.

5) The DPW has been amazing...again! This has been a very difficult and dangerous storm, with very treacherous conditions overnight. But, as of 6AM when Drew gave me the Tour Of Town, the roads are open and passable. They also assisted the Fire & Police Departments with their responses last night. Great job by all crews in all departments! 

6) The plowing and clean up will not be a quick process. Every street still needs to be plowed again and pushed back, intersections need to be widened, high bankings need to be addressed, and finally salt & magchloride need to be applied to remove the ice pack on the roads. Sidewalks will be plowed to the greatest degree possible, but the depth and volume of snow will make that a huge challenge. Finally, we will get into all the school and municipal lots to clear those. Building Maintenance personnel will need to get in to clear sidewalks & entrances to Town buildings, and School Custodians need to get in today or tomorrow to open up the schools. It is going to be a massive task to get all this done in time for an unimpeded Monday School opening.

7) We need the cooperation of our residents as well. The travel ban is still in effect, and it is critical that we have unimpeded access to properly and safely clear our roads. We also need residents and their personal plow contractors to NOT PLOW SNOW INTO THE STREET. That is causing a major safety issue for road safety. The Police are going to enforce the law there.

8) The Fire Department is still staffing all three stations and will likely stay throughout the day and extra crews will stay on into the night at HQ. A few points from the Chief:

          a) Fire Hydrants... We are urging residents to help with the clearing of fire hydrants. Seconds do count!

          b) Gas, Dryer & Oil Burner Vents: Residents MUST check these vents on the exterior of their homes to be sure there is no        snow build-up around them. Carbon Monoxide fumes can back up into the home and cause injury or death.

          c) Shoveling & Snow Blowers: The snow is extremely heavy, and everyone is urged to use extreme caution in shoveling    snow to prevent back or cardiac-related injuries. In addition, use extreme caution with snowblowers, and NEVER reach into the auger or shoot to free a jam. Please be safe!

9) Downtown & East Walpole CBDs: Clearly we will need to perform snow removal from the business areas. Bob O'Brien and I will discuss this further of the next day or two to determine best steps.

10) Budget: This is going to run several hundred-thousand dollars from start to finish. Next week Mark, Jodi, Jim and I will meet to try and put an estimated price tag on this.

I want to thank everyone who has participated in the storm preparation, response, and clean-up. Our crews have risen to the occasion yet again.

Please feel free to call me with any questions!

Michael