Foxborough Storm Center: Foxborough Moves On to 'Snow Removal Phase' of Blizzard 2013

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FOXBOROUGH PATCH STORM CENTRAL UPDATES, CLOSINGS & MORE:

Saturday, Feb. 9-

5:20 p.m.

Primo's Sandwich Shopon Mechanic Street is open until 8 p.m. Saturday for anybody who worked up an appetite from Blizzard of 2013. Primo's will also be open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Stop on by!

4:03 p.m.

Foxborough Moves On to 'Snow Removal Phase' of Blizzard '13

Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill says "things are improving" on the roads but there's a lot more traffic around town now.

Hill says break-up on the roads is occurring slower than he had hoped because temperatures have remained "very cold."

DPW says his employees will "keep chugging" as long as they can go but the department is in need of a break.

"We are going to continue as long as we can last," Hill said. "I would say I am probably going to give the guys a break around 5 p.m. because they haven’t had any to speak of. Just a catnap here and there. They need to get something to eat. We will probably bring them in at night and work into the daylight Sunday."

As for public safety, Foxborough Police Chief Edward O'Leary and Foxborough Deputy Fire Chief Steven Bagley maintained that the Blizzard of 2013 has produced very few incidents.

"Very quiet," O'Leary said. "A few run-of-the-mill calls but nothing of significance."

Said Bagley: "No incidents since noontime."

Council on Aging Director Vicki Lowe reported that the town's senior population is "good" and accounted for. She asked that residents reach out to their neighbors.

"If they have shoveled out maybe they can check on their neighbors to make sure they are OK and can get out of their home," Lowe said.

Residents are also asked to clear hydrants near their homes for the fire department, clear vents and exhaust pipes to vehicles.

Now that the town moves into a snow clearing operation, Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos encouraged residents to get out and enjoy the white stuff.

"Go build an igloo or go sledding," Paicos said.

2:51 p.m.

Interesting note from Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill:

“This isn’t quite as bad as the Blizzard of ’78 but it is up there,” said DPW Director Roger Hill. “It is a big, big storm. After the Blizzard of ’78 our schools were down for two weeks. This isn’t the same but I want everybody to understand getting this stuff open is a tedious and long procedure. We have so many plows and that’s it. Everybody has to be patient. There’s no instant gratification in fighting Mother Nature.”

2:06 p.m.

Waxy O'Connor's announces it will open at 5 p.m. Saturday.

1:08 p.m.

Gov. Patrick's travel ban expires today at 4 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

Saturday Afternoon Update on Town's Condition:

Foxborough officials received an update at noon Saturday on the town’s condition as Blizzard 2013 starts to move away from the region.

Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill said his department’s focus remains on the clearing the main and secondary roads. Trucks are beginning to salt those areas of town.

“We will not be doing back roads yet,” Hill said. “I’m not going to touch the sidewalks yet.”

Hill said his employees have been out clearing roads for over 40 hours now and at some point they will need to take a significant break.

“I would say the guys are going to be able to work a little longer but they are going to have to crash for a little bit,” Hill said. “We will get as much done as we can. I doubt we are going to get into the schools at all Saturday.”

It is becoming more likely that schools will not be opened Monday due to the amount of snow and the inability to clear the facilities at this time but no decision has been made.

“There’s really no talk among the superintendents at this time about Monday,” Schools Superintendent Debra Spinelli said. “We still have a day-and-a-half. Everybody is kind of waiting to see where how much progress each town makes so no one is chatting yet. I imagine we will do so Sunday morning.”

Hill said the DPW won’t be able to clear schools until some time Sunday at the earliest.

“I wouldn’t count on Monday too much right now.”

He will have more information for officials during a 3 p.m. conference call.

As for other incidents around town, Foxborough Police Chief Edward O’Leary said there hasn’t been too much activity on the roads but did report a minor accident between a motorist and a plow truck.

“Nothing significant,” O’Leary said. “A minor accident because somebody hit a plow or a plow hit them. There were no injuries. It was a private plow.”

O’Leary said that for the most part, residents are paying attention to the Governor’s travel ban but he has noticed more pedestrians out and about.

“The ban is still in effect and Gov. Patrick has not reduced it,” O’Leary said.

O’Leary said Patriot Place is closed Saturday.

Foxborough Fire Deputy Chief Steven Bagley said that since 9 a.m. Saturday the fire department has responded to only one medical emergency.

“It was a fall and a non-transport,” Bagley said.

Bagley added that National Grid liaison Tom Coughlin left town around 11:15 a.m. and was reassigned to Fall River.

“They have it pretty tough down there,” Bagley said.

Coughlin told Bagley before he left the area that Attleboro was having a problem with its Union Loop, which is affecting the downtown Attleboro area. National Grid has identified the problem and it is being worked on. The problem is not expected to have an impact on Foxborough.

Council on Aging director Vicki Lowe asked that residents check on their fellow neighbors, especially the elderly folks in town.

Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos said if the status quo remains for the remainder of Saturday then the Blizzard of 2013 will become strictly a snow plow operation in Foxborough.

“At some point this becomes a plowing operation,” Paicos said. “Unless something significantly changes shelters will be taken off the table and this becomes strictly a snow plowing operation.”

12:40 p.m.

Foxborough Police Chief Edward O'Leary reported there have been no significant calls related to the blizzard, however, there was a minor motor vehicle accident Saturday.

"A minor accident because somebody hit a plow or a plow hit them. There were no injuries. It was a private plow.”

12:30 p.m. - Patriot Place closed Saturday.

11:55 a.m.

Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos on state of the town: "It's pretty good overall. We are not out of the woods yet and it is definitely not safe out there."

Paicos adds Foxborough is in "the jackpot region of snow."

"Somewhere between 24 and 30 inches," he said.

We are in the jackpot region of snow. Somewhere between 24 and 30 inches.

10:57 a.m.

No Mail Delivery Saturday

You may be wondering if there'll be any new mail in your mailbox today (that is, if you can even make it to your mailbox, with all this snow.)

The answer is that mail service in all of New England — not just Massachusetts — has been suspended, according to the Huffington Post.

The ban extends throughout all six New England states. The unusual decision was made due to safety concerns, according to Postal Service spokeswoman Christine Dugas.

The decision came after over two feet of snow falling throughout much of New England made many roads impassable, she said. Dugas reminded people to clear around their mailboxes or paths to their homes by Monday, when mail delivery will resume.

10:56 a.m.

Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill says there's about 24 inches flat of snow in town as of Saturday morning.

10:42 a.m.

Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis asks residents to reach out to their elderly neighbors who may need some help during the blizzard.

"Let's not celebrate not losing power and get blindsided by forgetting about the person that is quietly sitting there not able to get out of his or her front door but too proud to ask for help," DeVellis said.

10 a.m.

Foxborough School Superintendent Debra Spinelli issued the following message to the community Saturday:

"At this point our community has not had any public safety incidents," Spinelli said. "The Governor's proclamation on no driving is still in effect, and roads are snow covered and narrow. Pedestrians should not be out, as sidewalks are blocked. For safety, please stay home."

9:32 a.m.

Following update provided by Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair Jim DeVellis:

"So far so good but please stay off roads for everyone's safety. No power outages, very minor health issues and our seniors are safe and accounted for. Foxborough was well prepared and we thank the residents for all the cooperation they have provided by staying home.

"Streets are still in process of being cleared. Thin slush layer below pack and with side drifts making streets narrow. Still snowing so please stay off roads until notified It is NOT SAFE to walk on roads.

"DPW and contractors have been non-stop and are focusing on roads and parking lots. Sidewalks will be done after.

"The National Grid's additional crews stationed in Foxborough are now needed in Southeastern Massachusetts in area of power outages and larger issues than Foxborough so they will now remobilize. Several crews will remain to cover this area.

"No decision on school opening Monday yet but town and superintendent are in close contact. Roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks need to be safe and DPW crews have been working non-stop for double shifts so this is being evaluated today and Sunday."

7:41 a.m.

Saturday morning update from Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair Jim DeVellis:

• At about 7:30 a.m. there are no power outages reported in Foxborough.

• Main roads in good shape; minor roads in progress but DPW has been going non-stop

• No major losses or injuries

• Please stay off roads and let DPW continue to work on roads.

"Kudos to our dedicated staff, volunteers and National Grid for hard work and cooperation," DeVellis said.

Friday, Feb. 8-

11 p.m.

MyFoxBoston is reporting that 14.1 inches of snow has fallen in Foxborough.

8:30 p.m.

BOS Chair Updates Us on Town's Condition

Following update from Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis

• As of 8:30 p.m. there are no reported power outages

• Four additional National Grid crews just joined the two that we had so we now have six crews stationed at our DPW.

• We have had a few minor medical calls and a minor car accident, but great that the residents are keeping low

• The DPW and contractor plows are keeping up so far with the plowing

7:37 p.m.

DPW Director: Foxborough Has Nearly 5 Inches of Snow

As of 5 p.m., Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill said the town has about 5 inches of snow.

7 p.m.

Foxborough Officials Recall Blizzard of ‘78

There’s no better preparation than experience and two Foxborough administrators have plenty from the Blizzard of ’78.

DPW Director Roger Hill was a plow operator in Easton during the Blizzard of ’78 and Town Manager Kevin Paicos was a selectman. Both men shared their recollections of that storm Friday.

“Blizzard of ’78 … we literally couldn’t get ambulances down the road,” Paicos said. “We used snowmobiles to move around.”

Hill remembered two “bad things” in particular that occurred during the Blizzard of ’78.

“No food!” Hill exclaimed. “We consumed mass quantities and having no food was a big problem.”

To avoid that problem from happening in Foxborough, Hill said the DPW made a trip to Stop & Shop Friday to “stock up” on food.

As for the other problem Hill recalled in ’78 … keeping well roads clear.

“The other big problem we had in Easton in ’78 was the well roads,” Hill said. “That’s going to be a problem here because the well roads are much longer than in Easton.”

To prepare for this problem, Hill has two trucks dedicated to keeping the well roads clear.

6:46 p.m.

DPW Director Doesn't Expect 'Too Many Problems' During Storm

Foxborough DPW Director Roger Hill says while you never know what's going to happen during a storm of this magnitude he doesn't expect to have too many problems.

"If we get anything over 20 inches the 4x4 [trucks] are useless [plowing]," Hill said. "But we have six dump trucks and loaders. If the snow comes out light and fluffy this will be easy to move."

While Hill doesn't expect problems he is prepared for them, calling Friday's blizzard a potential "break-your-equipment-type storm."

"If equipment breaks I’ve got problems," Hill said. "But we are ready for whatever happens."

6:08 p.m.

National Grid Foxborough Liaison Tom Coughlin says the town is as prepared as it can be for Friday's storm.

"[Foxborough] is very well prepared," Coughlin said. "It is amazing."

6:05 p.m.

Just received this text message from National Grid:

"Prepare for delays should you lose power. Crews can begin work when roadways are clear & high winds decrease. For outages, call: 1-800-465-1212."

3:07 p.m.

State of Foxborough: Department by Department Updates on Town Preparations for Snowstorm

Foxborough officials and department heads met with Town Manager Kevin Paicos Friday morning in the Andrew Gala Meeting Room of Town Hall in preparation for the incoming snowstorm.

Here’s a roundup of important information to take from the morning briefing:

Foxborough Police Department:

There will be three dispatchers handling calls at the Foxborough Public Safety Building

Dispatchers will have the most current information available for the public by phone. Residents are also encouraged to refer to Foxborough Patch for current storm information

Four cars will be on the road

Extra staff has been informed to report in full uniform Friday

McGinty Room of Public Safety Building will be used as the town’s Emergency Operations Center; Public is asked not to use McGinty Room at this time

Town Manager Kevin Paicos will either be stationed at Town Hall or the Public Safety Building

Motorcycles of Manchester may supply snowmobiles or gators to Foxborough Public Safety if necessary.

Foxborough Fire Station:

Fire Department will staff up to 12 for storm; May request more staffing if necessary

Department of Public Works:

Snow clearing priorities are as follows: Main roads and secondary roads; Keeping well roads clear; Subdivisions; Push back in case it snows again; Sidewalks, schools and parking lots

DPW Director Roger Hill says there shouldn’t be a problem open schools Monday if the snow is “light and fluffy.” Heavier snow will create more problems clearing the snow.

National Grid Liaison in Foxborough

Tom Coughlin, National Grid liaison for Foxborough, is staging out of Highway Garage

“Hoping this is a non-event,” Coughlin said. “We put in our storm chain-of-command structure last night. The final steps are today.”

Coughlin expects National Grid to be fully staffed when storm hits and “is ready to go.”

Coughlin’s concern locally is housing the elderly, water & sewer issues, etc.

Power outages are likely if snow is “wet and heavy.”

National Grid tree crews are in town to assist Highway Department, address downed trees.

Decision on Shelters Will Be Made After Storm

The decision to open a shelter in town will be made collectively by town officials and will not be made until after the storm. The decision will be based on situation and the town’s condition following the storm.

Town officials will convene Saturday to assess condition of the town following storm.

Paicos says “people are on their own during the storm unless they have an emergency they cannot handle themselves.” In that event, emergency/medical services will respond as soon as possible.

If town establishes a shelter it will be at Burrell Elementary School.

Warming Facility Will Be Town Hall (If Needed):

If the town loses power and a warming facility is needed, Paicos says he will open Town Hall to allow people to come in and charge electronics and keep warm.

The warming facility will be in the Andrew Gala Meeting Room of Town Hall if established.

Decision on opening Warming Facility will be based on power outage situation in town.

Residents are asked not to use the McGinty Room of the Public Safety Building as it is the town’s Emergency Operation Center.

Vulnerable Population:

About 40 people on call list in town. All have been contacted. “Handful of people have remained in town for storm.” Council On Aging will keep in contact with these individuals.

A “couple people” will need generators if town loses power.

Evacuation plans have been coordinated; Council On Aging will reach out to individuals if necessary.

Veterans Population:

Veterans Agent Mike Johns said there are a handful of disabled and injured veterans in town that he will remain in touch with.

Building Inspector Update:

Building Inspector Bill Casbarra said most of the structure damage in town will occur after the storm.

“There may be a catastrophic failure to structure and if that’s the case we are on call,” Casbarra said.

Casbarra said the difference between this storm and the ones of ’78, ’95 and two years is that there will be a four-day warming trend immediately following the snow.

“We are going to have some serious flooding issues and you will get a lot of weight on roofs from that,” Casbarra said. “I anticipate we will be very busy next week.”

Other Information:

Stop & Shop is open until midnight.

2:23 p.m.

Foxborough Police Chief Urges Residents Off the Roads by 3 p.m.

Foxborough Police Chief Edward O'Leary is urging residents to stay off the roads by 3 p.m.

"Everybody should be at their home no later than 3 p.m. so we don’t have any traffic on the roadways," O'Leary said.

2:08 p.m.

La Salette in Attleboro Open as Shelter for People Looking to Beat the Storm

For those in need of shelter or are looking to beat Friday's storm, the Shrine of Our Lady La Salette in Attleboro has opened its facilities as a regional shelter, according to Foxborough officials.

"People with families looking to beat the storm should make their way to La Salette," said Town Manager Kevin Paicos.

1:13 p.m.

Traffic Ban in Effect at 4 p.m. Friday

Governor Deval Patrick following press conference at noon: "I have signed an executive order banning vehicle traffic effective at 4 p.m. today."

12:58 p.m.

Gov. Patrick Issues Safety Tips for Storm; Here's the official MEMA Page

Message from MEMA:

A significant snowstorm/blizzard is forecasted to impact Massachusetts beginning on Friday February 8th, lasting into Saturday February 9th. Snowfall across much of Massachusetts is expected to be approximately 1-2 feet with locally higher amounts. In addition to snowfall, strong damaging hurricane force winds are expected which could lead to widespread power outages. In addition, moderate to major coastal flooding is anticipated along much of the coastline during the Friday evening and Saturday morning high tides.

Travel may become nearly impossible with blowing/drifting snow and near zero visibility during the height of the storm (Friday afternoon into Saturday morning). Motorists are asked to stay off the roads if they can during the storm to allow snow plows to clear the roads.

-MEMA Winter Weather Tips and Information

-Download the FREE Ping4alerts! app to get information on your smartphone (iPhone and Android devices)

-Weather information can be obtained from the National Weather Service (NWS)

          -NWS Boston (covering eastern and central Massachusetts). NWS Boston website NWS Boston Facebook page

          -NWS Albany (covering Berkshire county) NWS Albany website NWS Albany Facebook page

-For non-emergency assistance and information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.mass211.org

-Visit www.mbta.com for bus, subway and commuter rail service alerts and www.massport.com for Logan Airport information

Foreign language storm resources (Arabic, Haitian-Creole, Portuguese, Russian, Somali & Spanish)

-Other preparedness tips

• Monitor the progress of the storm – timing and areas of greatest impact can change.
• Listen to directions of Public Officials.  
• Have a full tank of gas.  Gas stations may be impacted by power loss.
• Prepare for extended power outages.  Have emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, portable radio, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, etc.
• Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have sufficient heating fuel.  If using emergency emergency generator, understand how to run it safely, operating it outdoors away from any open window.
• If your water supply could be affected by a power outage, (well-water pump system), fill your bathtub and spare containers with water.
• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and minimize opening the door.  Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours; a freezer for 48 hours.
• Restoration of power will not begin until the storm subsides and conditions are safe for utility workers.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors. 
• Treat any downed wire as a ‘live’ wire.

11:55 a.m.

Message from Pediatric Specialists of Foxboro & Wrentham:

We will be closing both offices at noon today to enable our staff to travel home safely. Our offices will be closed tomorrow, 2/9, but advice is always available by phone. We will attempt to open the Foxboro office for urgent care on Sunday morning, 2/10, at 9 AM.

Please stay home and stay safe. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but look forward to seeing you and caring for your needs once the storm passes.

11:51 a.m.

Patriot Place will be closing at 3 p.m. Friday due to the storm.

10:53 a.m.

The Boyden Library will close at noon Friday and remain closed Saturday due to inclement weather, according to Margi Rossetti, Supervisor of Children's Services.

10:50 a.m.

From RBI Baseball Academy:

RBI Baseball Academy will be closed on Friday, 2/8 and Saturday, 2/9 due to the anticipated snow storm. All programs, clinics, lessons, and rentals are cancelled. We will plan on re-opening on Sunday, 2/10 but will update this page again as we get closer. Emails will be sent out early next week about make-up dates.

10:45 a.m.

Foxborough's Stop & Shop will remain open until midnight and a manager will remain in the store for 24 hours in case of emergency, according to Foxborough public safety officials.

10:08 a.m.

Plainridge Racecourse will be closed Friday, Feb. 8. They will be providing an update on Saturday coverage later. 

9:32 a.m.

Snow total predictions have gone up a bit this morning. Now, WHDH-TV is predicting 16-20 inches with isolated spots of 30 inches in our area.

Logan Airport in Boston has cancelled more than a 100 flights.

From the Plainville Police Department's Facebook page:

In order to keep you well informed, we have received a memo regarding AREAS (Attleboro Regional Emergency Access System). This will broadcast up-to-date storm information on WARL 1320AM. Starting at 8 a.m. this morning AREAS has activated its 24 hour emergency coverage to help assist you and the community. Information will include such things from evacuations to shelter information, from road closures to cancellations, no message is too small to broadcast to your community during an emergency.

Notifications and messages will be broadcast as they arrive and repeated at the top of every hour until the emergency is over or when updated information is provided.

There are four ways you can provide AREAS with information:
1) Phone: 508-222-1320
2) Email: emergency@doubleacs.com
3) Fax: 508-226-2225
4) In person: The studio is located at 42 Union St. in Attleboro

Thursday, Feb. 7 —

9:19 p.m.

Blizzard Warning Issued for Foxborough

What began as a blizzard watch for the Foxborough area has now been upgraded to a blizzard warning. 

The National Weather Service issued the warning for the majority of Eastern Massachusetts Thursday afternoon, as it anticipates about 2 feet of snow to descend upon the area Friday into Saturday.

"White out conditions are anticipated as roads become snow-covered by the Friday evening commute," the warning states. "Strong north-northeast winds are anticipated with gusts up to around 60 miles per hour, resulting in blowing and drifting of snow. Damage to trees and structures along with scattered power outages are anticipated."

Residents can expect the potential of snow falling at 3-to-4 inches per hour and wind gusts of more than 20 miles per hour.

9:16 p.m.

National Grid Text Messages

I received the following text message from National Grid about Friday's storm:

• NGRID: A wind advisory is currently in effect. Airborne debris can be dangerous - check your area for damaged/loose material. To report outages: 1-800-465-1212
• NGRID: Blizzard Alert - Keep emergency supplies on hand like water, food flashlights, battery operated radio and extra batteries. To report outages: 1-800-465-1212.

9:07 p.m.

National Grid Prepares For Severe Winter Storm Headed For New England

Following press release 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 employees very seriously. We are reaching out to our life support and critical care customers and have plans in place to provide regular updates for customers.”

Several steps have already been taken to prepare for the possibility of service interruptions. These include the following:

• Implementing our storm command system to coordinate preparation and restoration efforts throughout the event
• Contacting our contractors with whom we regularly work for storm support
• Planning to bring in additional resources and crews as needed
• Continuous monitoring of the storm, setting up staging areas and positioning our resources to best respond to storm outages
• Reaching out to state, regional and local officials to inform them of our plans and open the lines of communication
• Providing routine public updates

Customers Urged to Keep in Touch

In addition to Outage Central, National Grid offers a number of ways for customers to report outages or learn about restoration efforts and important safety information. Here’s how:

• Outage reporting hotline – Massachusetts and Rhode Island customers can call 1-800-465-1212 to report an outage.

• Text messages – Customers can receive text message alerts and updates through a free service the company offers. Text the word STORM to NGRID (64743) to sign up for the service.

• National Grid uses social media – Facebook and Twitter – to communicate with customers about service issues and interruptions during storms.

• E-mail alerts are also available to customers who create an online profile on the company’s website. All alert services can be started and stopped at the customer’s request.

• Customers can use their mobile devices to track outage information and storm related safety tips through National Grid’s new mobile site that can be accessed at nationalgrid.com.

Staying Safe

National Grid wants everyone to stay safe before, during and after the storm. Here are some tips to help customers avoid injuries and stay safe:

• People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.

• It’s a good idea to have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. A radio is a good way to stay in touch, as National Grid provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.

• If you plan to use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize crew safety.

• If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.

•  After the storm, be sure never to touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see a downed power line, keep everyone away and call us immediately at 1-800-465-1212.

• Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.

• Please leave damaged poles alone. Handling or cutting utility poles—or burning them in your fireplace, woodstove or furnace—potentially exposes you to the chemicals used to treat and preserve these poles.

• Please drive carefully and use caution when driving near any repair crews working to restore power.

• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage.

5 p.m.

UPDATED: Foxborough Public Schools Closed Friday for Snowstorm

After originally announcing Foxborough Public Schools would open for half a day Friday, Superintendent Debra Spinelli decided to close schools in advance of the expected blizzard. The decision came at the recommendation of Gov. Deval Patrick, who encouraged educators to close all public schools.

Read more by clicking here.

***

Foxborough Regional Charter School to Close Early Friday Due to Storm

Following message is from Foxborough Regional Charter School Director Dr. Mark Logan:

"Dear Families,

Given the anticipated timing of the snowstorm tomorrow, we will be closing early on Friday, February 8, 2013. We will begin our normal dismissal procedures at 11:25 a.m.

This decision was made in coordination with state and local officials and with the projections of light snowfall during the morning and early afternoon hours. I am making this decision now, so that families can coordinate their needs in advance.

Dismissal will be as follows:

• All bus students and walkers will be dismissed at 11:25 a.m.
• All carpool students will be dismissed at 11:35 a.m.
• All other students will be dismissed at 11:45 a.m.

Please also note that due to the early dismissal, lunch will not be served and all afternoon activities, including the extended day program will be cancelled. The school will close immediately after dismissal to give our students, families and staff time to travel safely home.

Should there be any significant change to the storm track or timing, I will communicate further updates to our school community through the AlertNow system, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Foxborough Patch and postings on television stations.

Thank you, and I wish you all remain safe throughout the storm and your travels."

4:14 p.m.

MEMA, National Weather Service Updates Officials on Potential Blizzard

MEMA and the National Weather Service provided the following update to public officials around the state Thursday afternoon:

• There will be a substantial blizzard with 18 to 24 inches of snow expected, starting with light snow Friday morning, with heavier snow coming Friday afternoon and the high winds starting in the evening.
• NWS expects at least three hours of blizzard conditions with snow coming down at 2 to 4 inches per hour.
• NWS expects high winds from 8 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, which will cause wide spread power outages. Line repairs cannot be started until the winds subside, as bucket trucks cannot operate in high winds.
• NWS says there could even be thunderstorms, which can cause 5 to 6 inches of snow per hour in some areas.
• Some computer models show up to 3 inches of liquid being produced from Friday's storm, which could result in more - and heavier - snow.

4:07 p.m.

Foxborough has Emergency Shelter Options in Place

Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis says the town has emergency shelter options available if the storm requires such facilities to be opened.

"Foxborough has Emergency Shelter options available depending on the situation," DeVellis said. " The Ahern, Burrell or School High Schools, Senior Center and Public Safety Building all can serve as shelters depending on areas affected, duration, need for food and other activities that may be occurring.

"We do not provide advance information because it is easier to let people know where it is when the situation dictates rather than changing the information later and confusing people. Reverse 911 on home numbers, cell phones, cable and media will all be used if needed so people will be informed if needed."

3:46 p.m.

Foxborough Board of Selectmen to Meet Friday to Discuss Snowstorm Procedures

Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis just reported selectmen will hold a meeting at 11 a.m. Friday at Town Hall to discuss the expected snowstorm.

3 p.m.

Southeastern Regional School District Will Close 3 Hours Early Friday

Southeastern Regional School District in Easton will close three hours early Friday, according to our friends at WHDH 7.

There is still no word on Foxborough Public Schools or Foxborough Regional Charter School. Be sure to check back here and follow us on Facebook for updates.

2:47 p.m.

Message from Foxborough Fire & Rescue

"With the expected storm coming we would like to remind you to please stay off the roads and be sure you have plenty of supplies in case of power outages. Foxborough Fire & Rescue is increasing its staffing during the storm to prepare for any emergencies."

2:43 p.m.

BOS Chair: National Grid Liaison Will Be in Foxborough for Snowstorm; Town Asks Residents to Stay Off Roads

Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis provided the following storm update for residents following conversations with Town Manager Kevin Paicos and Foxborough Fire Chief Roger Hatfield Thursday afternoon.

•  Department heads have all been briefed and are prepared
• Our National Grid liaison [Tom Coughlin] will be in Foxborough and included in our Emergency Preparedness Plan
• The Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Group coordinated with our Fire Chief and are ready
• We have 50 snow contractors on call and committed to Foxborough as well as our own DPW fleet
• All equipment is fueled and sand/salt loaded and ready
• Police and fire extra staff have been notified and prepared for Friday morning
• Seniors on our call list are being called already by our Council on Aging Director and staff
• Foxboro Cable Access TV is running the emergency preparedness information on our government channel
• Emergency generators are being distributed to the senior centers and other storm equipment is being prepped
• Foxborough Veterans Agent is coordinating his efforts
• Fire Chief is in contact with Foxborough School Superintendent and evaluating the school cancellation potential
• There are two alternate Foxborough Emergency shelters ready to go depending on the situation

Read more by clicking here.

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12:41 p.m.

Foxborough DPW Provides

With the current weather forecast for Friday predicting over 12 inches of snow, Foxborough's Department of Public Works has issued the following statement on the town's website:

"We have not had a storm like this in quite some time. All residents should be aware that deep snow requires the DPW to open up roads initially, and later to push back the drifts to the curb. The reason we must push the snow back is that we need to create room in case there is another storm following the one expected Friday, which frequently happens in February. If we do not push back, there will be no room for the additional snow."

The DPW also addressed a common complaint from residents regarding clearing the end of driveways.

"People frequently complain that they have cleared the end of their driveways, and along comes the DPW and fills them in," The statement read. "We are well aware of this but there is no other alternative for us. It would serve residents well to await that second push back until they open their driveway ends."

Read more by clicking here.

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5 a.m.

NWS: Potentially 'Historic Storm’ Could Bring 1-2 Feet of Snow to Foxborough

The National Weather Service is now calling Friday’s potential storm “historic” as it is expected to bring between 1 and 2 feet of snow to Foxborough.

The current forecast, according to the NWS, calls for a slight chance of snow after 2 a.m. Thursday. Snow is expected to continue into Friday, mainly after 10 a.m. The storm is expected to intensify Friday night with more snow and areas of blowing snow as a result of wind gusts as high as 55 mph.

Snow will likely continue into Saturday through morning into the early evening before tapering off.

As a result of the potential storm, the NWS has issued a Blizzard Watch for Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. The Blizzard Watch is in effect for much of Eastern Massachusetts as well as Northern and Central Rhode Island.

Read more by clicking here.

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Snow-Related Postponements & Cancellations

• Friday’s Foxborough High School basketball games against Stoughton High School have been moved to Thursday. All games will be played at same time and location.
• Invensys YMCA Foxboro Branch will close Friday at 2 p.m. A decision will be made later regarding Saturday's hours of operation.
• Saturday’s Foxborough Democratic Caucus has been postponed to Sunday, Feb. 17 at the McGinty Room of the Foxborough Public Safety Building.

NOTE: Know of a cancellation or closing this weekend as a result of the weather? Let us know in the comments section and we will add it to the list above!

IMPORTANT NUMBERS & WEBSITES: 

• In an emergency, dial 911
• Police Department: 508-543-4343
• Fire Department: 508-543-1230
• DPW: 508-543-1228
• National Grid power outages: 800-465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: 800-233-5325
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)

Original Post -

See a tree down in your neighborhood? Notice a road is icy? Just saw a store clerk put out more snow melt products? Please use this story on Foxborough Patch to help out your neighbors.

As we prepare for the winter storm, we want to make sure that Foxborough stays connected. For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet and 'like' Foxborough Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Foxborough Patch is all about connecting neighbors and helping neighbors so we hope you’ll find this information hub helpful during the storm. Stay safe Foxborough!