With Plymouth in the crosshairs of a massive nor’easter expected to slam into the coast Sunday night deep into Monday, creating dangerous blizzard conditions, the town has declared a “local weather emergency.”
Schools and municipal buildings will be closed Monday, recreation programs and Meals on Wheels deliveries have been cancelled, and a parking ban in the downtown and North Plymouth areas goes into effect at midnight.
As of Sunday morning, the forecast called for Plymouth to receive some of highest snowfall amounts in the state – possibly more than two feet. Unlike the last couple of storms, the precipitation this time will be wet, making snow removal more difficult.
Even more concerning, winds later Monday could gust to as high as 70 mph, just shy of hurricane strength, enough to cause power outages, tree and property damage, and deep drifts making travel impossible.
The National Weather Service has put much of the Massachusetts coast under a blizzard warning from 4 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Tuesday, meaning visibility will drop to under ¼ of a mile.
“The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages,” the weather service said. “Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility…Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage.”
Early Sunday, supermarkets were already crowded as residents stocked up on food, gas stations were busy, and people were out and about, getting in outdoor activity in advance of what could be days of being housebound. Public school students, just coming off a weeklong February break will enjoy an extended vacation, likely through Tuesday, to the delight of parents.
Remaining – and now hardened – snowbanks from the late January storm that dumped 22 inches of snow and left many sidewalks and roads difficult to navigate for more than two weeks could further complicate snow removal efforts. The town’s Department of Public Works and its contingent of contracted plow operators appeared overwhelmed by that storm, prompting complaints from residents and business owners. Some sidewalks and parking spaces still remain blocked.
The town said the parking ban will apply to “areas between the ocean and the following boundary: Beginning at the eastern end of Hedge [Road]., west to Court Street, across Court St. to South Spooner St., west on South Spooner St.to Standish Ave., south on Standish Avenue to Samoset St., east on Samoset St. to Oak St., south on Oak St.to Summer St., east on Summer St.to Pleasant St., south on Pleasant St. to Robinson St., west on Robinson St. to Mayflower St., south on Mayflower St. to South St., east on South St. to Sandwich St., and south on Sandwich St. to the entrance of Stephens Field.”
The map below outlines the affected areas. For a zoomable version, go here.
Officials also urged residents to use 911 for emergencies, but provided these non-emergency numbers:
- Plymouth Police non-emergency line: 508-746-1212
- Eversource (loss of power): 800-592-2000
They also suggest signing up for emergency notifications through Smart911, which delivers official town communications. To sign up, go here.
Residents with concerns about snow removal, downed tree limbs, or street flooding, should submit them through SeeClickFix.
High winds and whiteout conditions could make speedy repairs impossible. Eversource offers this guide for preparing and enduring a major storm. It includes a link to a map pinpointing power outages.
Temperatures aren’t expected to top 32 degrees until Wednesday, when there’s a chance of rain or more snow.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.