There's a winter storm warning for all of western Massachusetts. The snow began in Westfield right around 3:15 this morning. In Springfield it was detected at 3:40. Snow will overspread the area at a rate of up to four inches an hour. Snowfall totals are generally expected in the 12-to-18 inch range although more than 20-inches is possible in some areas.
The Governor is urging you to stay home for the duration of the storm. In Connecticut though the Governor Dan Malloy issued a travel ban last night that bars everyone with the exception of emergency workers from being on the road. That in effect closed all schools in that state.
In Massachusetts there is no set travel ban in place. Easthampton officials closed down Route 141 for the duration of the storm.All city halls have been closed.
Courthouses and other government offices have been closed. As an aside the Hernandez murder trial is taking the day off.With the vast amounts of snow over such a short period of time, officials are urging you to get your car off any street it is on.
All communities have said that if your car is impeding the snow removal effort then you will be tagged and towed.The area homeless shelters are packed. Officials say they if there are people in need they will not turn anyone away. Police departments throughout the area look throughout neighborhoods to make sure all the homeless are accounted for and have shelter.In Springfield like many other communities, DPW's were out and about pre treating roads.
Once the snow stops according to Springfield DPW Boss Chris Cignoli, it will take approximately 12 hours for crews to hit all streets so you are asked to be patient.The airports are technically open. But there are few flights as of early Tuesday morning.
Meantime, the utility companies say they are ready for action if need be. If you see power lines that are down, report them. Don't go near them or touch them. And don't assume that the electric company knows.
Here are some of the links that you need to have.
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