National Grid: 'Preparing for Widespread, Prolonged Power Outages'

The company urges 'safety first' in the event of damaging wind and heavy wet snow.

Submitted by National Grid With a severe winter storm on the way that weather forecasters already are calling a storm of historic proportions, National Grid has started preparing for widespread, prolonged power outages that could result from the predicted blizzard-like conditions. Although the path of the storm still is being monitored, crew assignments are being developed and equipment readied in anticipation of harsh weather. “We continue to monitor the weather and are taking action now to be able to respond quickly and safely to potential outages that could occur. Our pre-planning activities are in anticipation of a very damaging storm,” said Kathy Lyford, vice president, New England Operations. “We take the safety of the public and our…

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Storm Will Bring Heavy Rain; Rest of the Month Cold

It won't be another Sandy, but we're looking at another heavy rainstorm in the area.

It'll be a fairly big storm area-wise, and also a powerful storm, but will mostly bring rain, according to weather specialist Jim Arnold from the Shrewsbury Emergency Management Agency. The National Weather Service and other meteorologists are reporting a "significant coastal storm" that shows a mix of rain and snow hitting Northborough on Wednesday into Thursday. Arnold said that the major impacts will stretch from the Delmarva Peninsula to New England, and "that entire area will be raked by very strong winds and heavy precipitation. It will not be as strong as Sandy was and its track will be different so the impacts felt from it will also be different, but nonetheless significant." Arnold said unless there is a late and unexpected storm …

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By the Numbers

UPDATED: Power Restored to Many; 674 Still Without

National Grid works around the clock to bring all the power back to Northborough.

While customers still without power are undoubtedly frustrated, National Grid has restored a large portion of homes originally hit by the outage during Hurricane Sandy. The number at 10 a.m. on Wednesday sits at 674 still withouth. National Grid serves 6,559 Northborough customers. Debbie Drew, spokesperson for National Grid, said crews are out in full force working on restoration. Remaining areas without service are concentrated south of Route 20 near the Northborough border, and also close to Route 9. There are two "feeder lines" presenting trouble, said Drew, and one has approximately 500 customers on it; the other has about 100. "When one feeder gets picked up, that chunk of 500 will come back," said Drew. "That's how it will work." At…

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Small Stream Flood Advisory Issued for Area

The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for Central Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for eastern Worcester County in Central Massachusetts in effect until 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Shortly after 6 p.m., radar indicated an area of showers with embedded heavy downpours tracking northwest across north central massachusetts. Rainfall of up to two inches in two hours is possible with these showers, said NWS. Ponding of water and poor drainage is expected in the area. NWS cautions driving in areas where water covers the roadway, as the depth may be too great to allow the car to cross safely. "This should not be a big deal for Shrewsbury," said Jim Arnold, weather specialist with the Shrewsbury Emergency Management Agency, "as it is not particularly …

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Northborough, Assabet Cancel School Monday

Monday classes have been canceled for Northborough public schools.

According to updates on CBS local news, Northborough public schools have canceled classes for Monday, Oct. 29, due to the impending Hurriance Sandy. Assabet Valley, too, has canceled for Monday.

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Eye On Sandy: Storm Tips From Mass Emergency

From having cash on hand to trimming back branches there are things you can do ahead of a dangerous storm.

With the possible threat of Hurricane Sandy following a track that could have a major impact on New England early next week, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recommends actions that people can take to minimize the potential damage from this storm.  “Early planning and preparation can be the key to your safety,” states MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz.  “It is important to use your time wisely and not wait until the last minute to ensure your family’s safety.” Here are some examples of steps you should be taking:   The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of …

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Snow's Coming on Saturday

Snow, according to the National Weather Service, is headed our way on Friday evening and picking up speed throughout Saturday.

Northborough may see 2 to 4 inches of snow over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area with snow showers expected Friday night and steady snow on Saturday. The steady snow should taper off by 5 p.m. Saturday and then snow showers are expected Saturday night. NWS said there is a “moderate to high probability that winter weather advisorires will be needed for a portion of southern New England.” The heaviest snowfall should hit southeastern Massachusetts, but NWS warned that a shift in the storm track could result in changes in the type of precipitation and amount.

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Yays and Nays: Your Congressmen's Week in Review

Eldridge Hosts Community Forum on October Storm; Chandler Unhappy with National Grid

Here's what Nortborough's representatives have been up to this past week.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, offered his condolences and support around the loss of Worcester firefighter Jon Davies, who was killed during a call to a Worcester fire on Dec. 8. “Once again, our community is given a tragic reminder of the risks our firefighters take each and every day," said McGovern. Once again, we grieve. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen hero, Jon Davies. We hope for the full recovery of Brian Carroll. We will come together—stand together as one—to give them the prayers and support they need.” State sen. Jamie Eldridge is hosting a community forum to discuss the widespread power outages resulting from the Oct. 29 snowstorm on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6-8 p.m. at the Bigelow …

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