Winter Storm Kenan (January 2022)

Important Storm Information, Openings/Closings, and Updates

Storm News Updates

Closures and Cancellations

  • There will be no COVID-19 PCR Testing on Saturday, January 29th. Testing may resume on January 30th, depending on the weather conditions.
  • The Hanover Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, January 29th. Residents are advised to check the Town website prior to going to the Transfer Station on Sunday as the station may still be closed due to snow and ice operations. The Transfer Station cannot be re-opened until the snow has been removed and it is deemed safe for the public.
  • The John Curtis Free Library will be closed on Saturday, January 29th, and on Sunday, January 30th. For additional information, visit hanover-ma.gov/jcfl.
  • All HYAA activities have been cancelled for Saturday, January 29th and Sunday, January 30th.
  • All Hanover Public Schools and Town events and activities have been cancelled for Saturday, January 29th, and Sunday, January 30th.

Parking, Plowing, and Roadways

  • Effective 12:01 AM Saturday, January 29th, the Town of Hanover will implement a parking ban on all public roadways. Noncompliance may result in your vehicle being towed.  
  • Residents are requested to not plow or snow blow their driveways into the roadway. Doing so presents a hazard to the traveling public.
  • All roads in town are actively monitored and plowed from the start of a storm until it is finished. Snow removal operations are expected to continue well into Sunday due to the volume of snow that is forecasted and a shortage of contract plows.
  • Roads need to be plowed wide enough to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles. This may require snow banks to be pushed back after a storm has passed. The Department of Public Works is not responsible for snow plowed into the end of a driveway that has already been cleared by a private contractor.
  • Sidewalks on Cedar Street, Pleasant Street, Whiting Street, and Route 139 will be cleared after the roads and Town parking lots have been cleared. Sidewalk clearing is expected to take an extended amount of time.

Power Outages and Concerns

If you lose power, please notify National Grid to ensure that your outage is reported or call 800-465-1212. To report a downed power line, stay away and call 911. Be prepared by having your flashlights, candles, generators, and backup power devices ready and fully charging your electronics. Prepare alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.

    Downed Power Lines

    Residents are advised to use extreme care around downed utility wires. Assume they are “live.”

    • Report downed utility lines by calling 911.
    • All downed wires should be considered live. This includes electric, telephone, and cable wires.
    • Emergency responders will be marking downed wires with YELLOW caution tape.  Remind children to stay away from all downed wires.
    • Again, all downed wires should be considered live and avoided.

    Damaged House Service Tip

    If you notice damage to the power meter system located on your property, you will need to have the damage repaired by a licensed electrician and then inspected by the Town of Hanover prior to being reconnected by National Grid. If your house service is damaged follow these three steps:

    1. Have a licensed electrician repair the damage.
    2. The electrician must pull a permit.
    3. Have the repair inspected. Town of Hanover Building Department may be reached at 781-826-5000, ext. 1009.

      Food Safety Before, During, and After A Power Outage

      Regional Shelter and Warming Station

      If needed, a warming station will be made available at Hanover High School, 287 Cedar Street. As the storm develops, additional information will be provided.

      Generators

      • Use Caution when operating generators.
      • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
      • Place the generator outdoors facing away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside a house, basement, or crawl space; not even inside a garage with the door open. When possible, place the generator 5-10 feet away from the house.
      • Plug appliances directly into the generator or use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords, not to exceed the number of outlets on the generator. Make sure cords are free of cuts and tears and have all three prongs; especially the grounding pin.
      • Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open canopy or tent.
      • Dry your hands before touching the generator.
      • Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

      Chain Saws

      • Residents who own chainsaws should follow the manufacturer's recommended operating guidelines.
      • Do not attempt to cut down trees that are “hung up” on houses or on other trees.  How they fall is very unpredictable and may result in death, injury, or further damage.
      • Leave difficult chainsaw work to properly trained tree removal professionals.

      Current Weather in Hanover, MA

      Other Media

      Stay tuned to our local television channels (4, 5, 7, 25) and radio (WBZ 1030 AM and WATD 95.9 FM) for other information and advisories.

      Emergency Operations Center Resources