Merrimack Storm Center: Brutal Cold Follows Snow Storm

Hercules, so named by The Weather Channel, is the first storm of 2014. In round numbers, New Hampshire should see about 12 inches of snow.

Friday, Jan. 3:

9:58 a.m.

Merrimack Police issued a Nixle alert that the Merrimack Public Library will be closed on Friday after library officials had hoped to reopen at 12 noon.

8:36 a.m.

Merrimack Police issued a Nixle alert that the Merrimack Town Offices will be closed on Friday because of the winter storm. "Due to the inclement weather and road conditions,Merrimack Town Hall will be closed today, Friday, Jan 3rd. Town Hall / General Government will be open on Monday during normal business hours-Thank you!"

School Closed

In case you missed it, Merrimack schools are closed on Thursday and Friday.

• 6:54 p.m.: Merrimack Police issue updated Nixle alert that Merrimack Water Department has repaired the water main break on Columbia Circle near Daniel Webster Highway.
• 5:21 p.m.: Merrimack Police issued a Nixle alert about a water main break on Columbia Circle near the Daniel Webster Highway that could affect service for some town residents and businesses.

• 2:20 p.m.: The Merrimack School District just announced that it has canceled school for Friday, Jan. 3.
• 1:50 p.m.: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation just issued a statement reminding motorists to slow down and limit travel for the duration of the current storm. Because of the extremely cold temperatures, anti-icing chemicals have limited effectiveness and road conditions may be worse than they appear, according to NHDOT Director of Operations Bill Janelle. Advisory speed limits have been reduced to 45 mph on all interstates and turnpikes. For additional winter driving tips, click here.
• 12:18 p.m.: Gov. Maggie Hassan issued the following statement related to the storm. 
• 11:51 a.m.: The Merrimack Public Library will close at 1 p.m. due to the winter storm. "On Thu. 1/2 the Library will close at 1 pm due to hazardous driving conditions expected through the rest of the day. Visit WMUR to see updated infor for 1/3."
• 11:34 a.m.: The Greater Nashua YMCA, Merrimack Branch announced that "Due to inclement weather, classes will be cancelled all day (January 2). School's Out is available all day from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Kids Stop is closed all day."
• 10 a.m.: The Merrimack Town Offices announced they will close on Thursday at 12 noon and reopen on Friday at 12 noon because of the winter storm.
• 9:54 a.m.: Via WBUR Twitter: Flights in/out of @BostonLogan expected to end tonight at 8:30 p.m. due to snow and resume sometime tomorrow. #bosnow
• 9:52 a.m.: On Twitter, @GovernorHassan posted the following message to New Hampshire residents: "Heavy snow will continue throughout the day & night, encouraging Granite Staters to exercise caution on the roads and drive safely."
• 9:30 a.m.: The Merrimack Town Offices are open for regular business hours until 4:30 p.m.

The first storm of 2014 is underway as the initial flakes began falling after midnight on Thursday. During the day on Thursday there will be some accumulation, though much of the snow will come Thursday night into Friday before the storm ends by Friday afternoon.

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Below is what you need to know about this week's significant winter storm. We will be updating this storm center article throughout the storm, so be sure to check back throughout.

Current Forecast

How much snow is the Merrimack area expected to get Thursday and Friday? Here are the projections as of Thursday at 8 a.m. Already the National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Warning.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911
  
• Merrimack Police Department: 603-424-3774
• Merrimack Fire Department: 603-424-3690
• Public Service of New Hampshire Power Outages: 1-800-662-7764
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)