Storm update: Digging out, hunkering down and charging up

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Snowblowers and shovels are being deployed around the state for the great dig-out. That’s my neighbor, Reggie.

MANCHESTER, NH – Shovels and snowblowers, activate!

It’s the morning after a weekend of heavy snow, with a few more inches expected before it’s all said and done. The greatest concern for Monday will be windy conditions that may cause power outages, so find your flashlights and assemble your candle collection. If you have a generator, make sure it’s safely set up with proper ventilation.

With any luck, you won’t have to use it.

But Eversource has had the weekend to prepare by making sure they are fully staffed and ready for whatever happens next. You can report outages here via your Smartphone.

Speaking of which, make sure your phones and laptops are charged up today.

As of 5 a.m. the National Weather Service reported the Winter Storm warning continues until 10 a.m. Monday for our area. Heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow conditions will persist. Some power outages are expected today.

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*Unofficial* snow total from my back deck: 14 inches from Thursday + 5 more inches from Sunday = 19 inches.

Snow totals for Hillsborough County as reported by the National Weather Service fleet of Weather Spotters:

  • Hudson: 9.6 inches 7:29 a.m.
  • Merrimack: 8.8 inches 7:32 a.m.
  • Hudson: 8.7 inches 5:35 a.m.
  • Nashua: 8.6 inches 6:59 a.m.
  • Manchester: There were no official or unofficial snow totals immediately available, but based on my yardstick on the back deck, we’re closing in on 20 total inches over the past two storms. The closest to official totals comes from Justin Arnott of the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, who says based on surrounding town reports, Manchester got 8-10 inches of fresh snow following Sunday’s storm – with 8 inches reported in Penacook, and 10 inches reported in Milford.

  • NH State Troopers report as of 9 a.m. on Feb. 13 that state road conditions are improving, but that blowing snow will create slick spots. Motorists should take their time and allow plenty of room for braking.
  • The Board of School Committee meeting scheduled for Monday evening has been postponed to Tuesday evening Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.
  • MTA will suspend service Monday Feb. 13 until noon due to the anticipated driving conditions and potential for white out caused by high winds.  MTA will resume full service beginning at 12 p.m. and anticipate minor delays throughout the afternoon as the storm ends. Between the weather and the sheer number of other locations that are closing, this reduces ridership demand, and the decision is meant to protect the safety of MTA operators who would be at risk driving buses that likely will be empty. This applies to all MTA services including fixed route, Step Saver, commuter bus to Nashua/Concord, and Goffstown shuttle.  School services will be closed all day.
  • A citywide Snow Emergency is in effect for Feb. 12 in Manchester, which means no parking on city streets.
  • Manchester School District has cancelled school for Feb. 13 due to the impending storm.
  • There will be no trash pick-up on Feb. 13 in the city of Manchester.
  • Speeds have been reduced on I-93 and the Everett Turnpike to 45 mph.
  • Should you lose power at any point during the storm, you can click here via SmartPhone to report the outage to Eversource.
  • Due to the current weather conditions and the 24-hour outlook the City of Manchester is suspending all non-emergency city operations for tomorrow February 13, 2017.  All non-essential employees should remain at home Monday. All city operations will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 14 at 8 a.m.
  • The Mayor’s office will be open and staffed beginning at approximately 9 a.m.
  • New Horizons is available for shelter and at this point the city doesn’t anticipate any capacity issues.

Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 weather update:

Accumulations: Snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches.

Timing: Snow, heavy at times early this morning before ending. Gusty winds will allow for blowing and drifting along with very low visibilities.

Impact: Treacherous travel and low visibilities. Strong winds will make for significant blowing snow today.

Winds: North 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

Temperatures: In the 20s.

Visibilities: One quarter-mile or less at times. Some power outages are expected today.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!