Saturday, February 9, 2013
Do you agree with the governor's decision or was it too drastic?
All non-emergency drivers were ordered off the roads on Friday when Gov. Deval Patrick issued an executive order banning travel during the blizzard. (Editor's note: The ban is lifted statewide as of 4 p.m. Saturday.) Patrick's executive order is being praised by some and bashed by others, reported The Boston Globe. While former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was in charge of the commonwealth during the Blizzard of ’78, praised the governor’s move, others called the order “tyrannical” and say the strict ban and hefty fines were too much, according to The Globe. Those caught violating the ban would face up to a year in jail and a $500 fine. What do you think? Do you agree with the governor’s decision or do you think the travel ban …
The Town of Framingham activated its emergency operations center Friday afternoon - call 508-532-5800 to report any storm-related issues; the Governor's order banning drivers on the road is still in effect.
Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation. 1. This snowstorm officially became the Blizzard of 2013 late Friday night, when Massachusetts had sustained winds of more than 35 miles per hour for at least 3 hours. The National Weather Service in Boston had a report of a gust of 76 miles per hour - hurricane force winds - Friday night at Logan Airport in Boston. 2. As of 1:30 a.m., NSTAR was reporting no power outages in Framingham. If you lose power during the storm, please call NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000. 3. The Town of Framingham declared a state of emergency and activated its emergency operations center Friday afternoon. Call 508-532-5800 to…
Friday, February 8, 2013
Worst of the Blizzard of 2013 expected during the overnight hours in Framingham and MetroWest communities.
Nearly a foot of snow — or more — has fallen, but the worst is yet to come. Framingham and the rest of MetroWest will feel the full fury of The Blizzard of 2013 during the overnight hours as whiteout and blizzard conditions bury eastern Massachusetts. WHDH meteorologist Pete Bouchard says on his blog: Overnight and early Saturday morning. Travel is nearly impossible. White-outs, blizzard conditions, drifting snow and a vicious wind. Winds will gust near hurricane force (74mph or better) at times along the coast as the storm rounds Nantucket and heads east. 10am high tide is more of a concern because of the intense wind. Sandwich, Plymouth, Scituate and Cape Ann will experience MAJOR coastal flooding. Moderate flooding is expected in Revere…
Let's measure the blizzard through lawn ornaments!
We at Patch like to have fun – even when we’re covering a story as big as the Blizzard of ’13! So when the biggest storm in years (potentially in the history of Boston weather) is headed our way, we get into battle mode – and even get a little silly. That’s what this idea is about – and we want you to take part too! A fun way we want to track the storm across Massachusetts is through lawn ornaments. They serve a purpose in the spring and summer, but often feel left out in the cold of winter. Not anymore. We are posting photos of lawn ornaments throughout Massachusetts to highlight snowfall across the commonwealth during and after the storm. All you need to do is hit the Upload Photos and Videos button and upload your own. If we’re stuck at…
Not all meteorologists accept the name game, or acknowledge this storm as Nemo.
You've probably heard occasional—but perhaps not frequent—references to this winter storm as "Nemo." While it makes for some good jokes about that cute little orange fish, Nemo is not the brainchild of the Disney Corporation, but rather, a pre-determined name The Weather Channel gave to this latest storm. If you missed it: The Weather Channel in November announced it would name "noteworthy winter storms" in the 2012-2013 winter season. Sure, snowstorms have been informally named after the fact (remember Snowtober?) This is the first season, however, that The Weather Channel is naming them as it does hurricanes and tropical storms. The rationale? According to the Weather Channel, names raise awareness, make it easier to follow a weather …
Elderly neighbors may need an extra helping hand during the Blizzard scheduled to hit Framingham.
- VOLUNTEERS IN THE NEWS
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Friday, February 8
With the snow from Winter Storm Nemo piling up, a deliberate act of kindness could be invaluable in helping an older adult to be safe over the next few days. Here’s a short list of ways to offer a bit of help to an aging neighbor who might be in need of some support: Even if you don't know your neighbor by name, chances are he or she would welcome your friendly “check in” and assistance. So don’t be shy, commit a act of neighborly kindness. Tell us: How are you helping your neighbors or family members during this storm? Is our list missing a tip or suggestion. Add it in the comments!
Schools closed, trash pick up today, Framingham Town offices closing early, Governor wants everyone off roads by noon and MBTA will stop operations at 3:30 p.m. and so much more you need to know as the Blizzard of 2013 approaches.
Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation. 1. Framingham Public Schools, Marian High, Keefe Tech, McAuliffe Charter, Framingham State University and Mass Bay Community College are all closed today. Basically, all schools are closed today. For further updates on closures and cancellations, including many school activities, visit and bookmark Framingham Patch's Blizzard of 2013 Storm Central article. For even further up-to-the-minute storm updates become a fan of Framingham Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our breaking news alert. 2. Framingham will declare a snow emergency at 6 p.m. today. Framingham Town Manager Bob…
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Framingham is under a blizzard watch, but what exactly does that mean?
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for Framingham, which in short means stay off the roads. A blizzard watch will go into effect beginning Friday and continuing into Saturday. According to the weather service, this means a potential for considerable falling or blowing snow. This will be accompanied by winds of over 35 miles per hour. Visibility will be below 1/4 mile with whiteout conditions at times. All of this means travel will be very dangerous, leading the weather service to advise people be prepared to alter any travel plans.
For complete coverage of the Blizzard of 2013 in Framingham, bookmark this report and visit often for updates.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We have been updating this report since Thursday morning. Updates are posted in the comments. For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet and 'like' Framingham Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Please send us messages through social media and email (susan.petroni@patch.com), we’ll make sure the information is added to this report. You can text us cell phone pictures and news too at 508-202-5597. *** Framingham Patch Storm Central Updates, Closings & More: As the storm rolls through Framingham, we will update this page with the information you need to know. Weather forecasters say we will get at least a foot of snow, some are predicting two feet and one has even said …
JT
3:40 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013
People should use their common sense in situations like this--but there are always some who won't and will endanger others in the process. The ban was good in that respect, and the $500 fine certainly should have made folks think twice if they were hesitating over driving or staying home for no particular reason. However, the threatened jail time was absurd--and enough's been said about that here… more ›