Winter Storm Information 1/19/19

Hanover Emergency Management Agency Alert
Posted on: January 19, 2019 - 10:38am

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch with FLASH FREEZE WARNING for southeast Massachusetts, Plymouth County through 8:00 pm on Sunday.

  • Current Details - NWS

Forecast Summary from The National Weather Service (10am 1/19/2019)

  • ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM EST SUNDAY...
  • WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of one tenth to four tenths of an inch expected. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
  • WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut, southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island.
  • WHEN...Mainly this evening through Sunday afternoon.
  • ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Temperatures plunging into the upper teens to lower 20s by late afternoon will result in a flash freeze and wet roads becoming icy. Any mixed precipitation will end as a period of snow Sunday afternoon. Travel will be very difficult and hazardous tonight through Sunday afternoon, along with poor visibility.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

Storm preparation tips from the Hanover Fire Department

  1. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
  2. Keep all exhaust vents clear to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide
  3. Space Heater Safety: Space heaters need space, so use them in a 3-foot circle of safety, free of anything that catch fire. Space heaters do not replace your central heating system. Remember to turn them off when leaving the heated area and before you go to bed!
  4. Wood, Coal and Pellet stove safety: Don’t over fire your woodstove this weekend. An overtaxed woodstove can easily start a chimney fire.
  5. Generator Safety: Use generators outdoors away from windows, doors and vents with the exhaust pointed away from the home.
    1. Don’t use generators inside the garage, basement or partially enclosed areas no matter how well ventilated.
    2. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. This practice known as “backfeeding” can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers & others.

From MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency)

  • Keep 911 lines for emergencies.
  • Call 211 for shelter locations and non-emergency storm questions.
  • Charge your cell phone prior to the storm arrival

Power Outage

  • To report downed power lines call 911
  • To report a power outage call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212

Emergency Shelter/Warming Station

Hanover Emergency Management will monitor the storms impact and is prepared to open a shelter or warming station if necessary.