Saturday afternoon, the town announced a 24-hour parking ban would take effect in the downtown and North Plymouth areas, in advance of what was expected to be a modest Sunday snowfall that could also bring powerful wind gusts.
The move surprised some residents and business owners because the predictions called for just a few inches of snow.
On Sunday morning, saying “the forecasted storm has moved offshore,” the town rescinded the ban.
“Town officials continue to monitor the offshore coastal storm, which may bring extreme cold
temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for minor coastal flooding,” it said in a press release. “We encourage residents
to remain vigilant and limit time spent outdoors.”
The ban would have been the second in a week. An on-street parking ban was put in place in advance of last weekend’s major storm. Those restrictions lasted several days, but some residents complained the town did not make it clear if or when they were lifted, causing confusion.
For reference – in case another parking ban is put in place this winter – here are the streets affected, according to the town’s website: “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.”
See the map below, which outlines the affected areas. For a zoomable version, go here.
Some side streets are still clogged from last weekend’s storm, prompting complaints from residents and business owners. Unlike that one – which dropped about 22 inches throughout most of Plymouth – the approaching system is expected to be a nor’easter, with strong winds along the coast that could cause power outages.
The additional snow, on top of what’s already on the ground, could once again make maneuvering on some streets difficult.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.