STORM ADVISORY MONDAY, MARCH 13-14, 2017 2:00 p.m.

BE PREPARED!

BE PREPARED!

We are expecting a major winter storm of substantial snow, wind and potentially mixed rain beginning tomorrow and continuing through to Wednesday morning

As the time of issuance of this Advisory, the most recent forecasts indicate wide variety in potential accumulations. We do know that the snow is expected to start tomorrow morning and become heavy by noon with blizzard conditions. The heaviest snow will likely last until 8:00 p.m. and lighter snow into early Wednesday morning. The question is if the snow will mix with rain in our area; the rain/snow line for this storm is critical for us.  Right now we can expect anywhere from 6” to as much as 24” if the storm tracks more to the east. This storm is associated with high winds. The winds will ramp up quickly around 10:00 a.m. from the NE becoming steady 37-38 mph by noon with potential gusts up to 60 mph.

At this time we do not anticipate severe coastal flooding impacts but we will get over wash in the usual areas in Humarock, Lighthouse, Cole Parking, Rebecca, Peggotty, Surfside, Turner and Oceanside. Access to these areas will be restricted as conditions deteriorate.  Flooding is forecast to be minor to moderate for the high tide just before 1:30 p.m. (9.9’). A 2-3’ storm surge is expected.  However, increased winds will affect storm surge. Timing of this storm is the main factor for the amount of flooding we will receive. If the strong winds start after 10:00 a.m. as forecast we will likely have minor flooding with pockets of moderate flooding. If the wind starts earlier we may have more widespread moderate flooding. If you do plan to leave because of the storm it should be done first thing in the morning and not any later than 9:00. A.m. Stay safe.

 Be prepared in case power goes out. National Grid is preparing for the potential of 10% of its customers to be out for three days. This storm will be of several hours duration. Please remember that power outages cannot be addressed if the wind is over 35 mph. Please also note that while we do not anticipate major power lines down in Scituate, we are most concerned with line feeders into the Town from our surrounding communities that may be impacted and therefore result in longer term outages here.

National Grid and Eversource have already increased staffing for their south shore district and we have a truck on site.

National Grid power outage telephone number: 1-800-465-1212

Eversource power outage telephone number: 1-800-592-2000

STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED WIRES and report to the Scituate Police Department: 781-545-1212. Please use 911 FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY.

We anticipate Town Offices, the library and Senior center will be closed tomorrow, March 14. An announcement will be issued when that is confirmed. The School Department will make a determination about school later today as well. All scheduled board and committee meetings are cancelled Tuesday, March 14. The Transfer Station will be CLOSED.

A reminder that roads will be plowed in accordance with the Town’s Snow Removal Policy: main streets and arteries first for public safety, then arterial and school route streets, then private ways.  Although the Town will have 55 pieces of equipment on the road, heavy snow and freezing will result in longer than usual pass times for your neighborhood. Downed trees also divert plowing crews. Please be patient.

Help us help you: Please help our Fire Department by keeping hydrants clear.

Additional updates will be provided as necessary or warranted.

Awarded 2017 Kenneth Pickard Award by the Massachusetts Municipal Association for Town of Scituate weather and emergency   communications